Baltimore County investigators today were trying to determine the cause of a four-alarm apartment fire in Hillendale that left a volunteer firefighter dead. Two residents of the Towson Crossing complex also were seriously injured in the fire that began Wednesday evening.
As arson investigators and other fire officials worked at the scene this morning, the front of the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company's station was draped in black cloth to honor member Mark Falkenhan.
Falkenhan, a 43-year-old husband and father of two, became trapped inside a third-story apartment and later died at St. Joseph Medical Center, Baltimore County Fire Department spokeswoman Elise Armacost said. He was retired from the Baltimore County Fire Department and had worked for the Secret Service, Armacost said.
"He was well-known and well-liked," she said. "He had a long history with the Baltimore County Fire Department as a career firefighter and as a volunteer."
The Maryland General Assembly honored the fallen firefighter at its morning legislative sessions, with the Senate adjourning in his honor. Gov. Martin O'Malley, meanwhile, ordered that state and U.S. flags be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of Falkenhan's funeral.
Del. James E. Malone Jr., a Democrat who represents Baltimore and Howard counties, was close friends with Falkenhan from their time together as Baltimore County firefighters.
"He was a great guy," Malone said on the House floor. "I just want everyone in this room to keep the fire service in your prayers today." In an interview after the House adjourned Malone said: "The hardest thing in the world is to lose a brother in the fire service."
Sen. Barry Glassman, a Harford County Republican, shared details about Falkenhan's family — his wife and children, ages 13 and 16 — and the fire that killed him. Sen. James Mathias, an Eastern Shore Democrat and longtime volunteer firefighter himself, also rose to pay tribute to Falkenhan.
The initial call went out at 6:18 p.m. as a kitchen fire in the Towson Crossing apartment complex at 30 Dowling Circle and was quickly upgraded, Armacost said. About 20 minutes later, Falkenhan sent out a "mayday" distress call, Armacost said.
She said Falkenhan's partner leapt from the third-floor window and crews eventually found Falkenhan on a third-floor balcony.
Two Towson Crossing residents were critically hurt — one woman with severe burns was taken to Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, and a man was taken to Sinai Hospital, Armacost said.
The brick, three-story structure shares walls with five other apartment buildings. The complex was evacuated, though the fire was contained to the central building. It was still standing after the fire was extinguished, but the windows in the front were blown out.
Several residents from surrounding apartment buildings walked over to watch from behind yellow police tape.
The cause is under investigation, Armacost said. About 30 people were displaced from the building, she said.
Morgan Properties, which owns and manages 131 apartment complexes including Towson Crossing, said in a statement Wednesday that they are working with the Red Cross and county officials to help the affected families.
"We are deeply saddened to hear the news regarding the fatality of the Baltimore County Volunteer Firefighter who responded to the scene. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the friends of this brave individual who responded to the scene to assist others in need," said Karen McAlonen, vice president of property operations.
Baltimore Sun reporters Julie Bykowicz and Annie Linskey contributed to this article.