Joppa Man Dies From Burns Suffered In October Camper Fire

JOPPA, MD — A Joppa man who was critically injured with severe burns in a camper fire on Oct. 18, 2022, has died. Officials from Johns Hopkins Hospital reported Robert G. Kellogg, 38, died Saturday from injuries he suffered last fall, according to a news release from the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

On Oct. 18 about 8:20 p.m., a passerby saw a large fire on the property of B&T Services, 415 Pulaski Highway. Harford County Sheriff's Office was the first to arrive and found Kellogg with severe burns and heavy fire throughout a 30-foot camper trailer between two buildings.

Kellogg told deputies he was having problems with his heater and the trailer exploded. He was an employee of the company who had permission to park his camper on the property, police said.

Paramedics first took Kellogg to Johns Hopkins Bayview Burn Center, where he was treated for burns to 60 percent of his body. Kellogg was later transferred to Johns Hopkins Hospital ICU for treatment.

With the assistance of surveillance footage, deputy state fire marshals concluded that Kellogg used a forklift to move a 120-gallon propane tank from a garage on the property to his trailer. About 75 minutes later, the trailer exploded, and Kellogg and his dog escaped the burning remains.

Investigators concluded Kellogg had improperly connected the larger tank to his camper's propane system.

“I cannot emphasize enough that people should never tamper with their propane tanks or lines to the appliances in their home. Do not try to repair or modify valves, regulators, connectors, or tank parts," said State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci in a statement. "Propane cylinders have special components which keep them safe for use with grills and other propane appliances. An improperly connected tank or appliance can cause a gas leak. Licensed propane service technicians have the training to install, maintain, and repair your propane system and appliances.”

Firefighters from Joppa-Magnolia Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments contained the blaze before it spread to adjacent buildings.

The Harford County Sheriff's Office Animal Control took the dog to Bel Air Animal Emergency Hospital, where it was treated for burns.