Dundalk Man Marks Baltimore Co.'s Fifth Fire Fatality This Year

DUNDALK, MD — A 79-year-old man died Saturday from injuries he suffered during a burn barrel fire started in the backyard of his Dundalk home, authorities said.

A release issued by the Baltimore County Police Department identified the man as Herminio Quinto, whose death now marks the fifth fire fatality for the county this year.

Officials were first alerted to the scene on the 1900 block of Tolson Avenue at 4:43 a.m., when Baltimore police and fire crews responded for a welfare check.

The police department did not specify who made the request for a welfare check or why it was made.

Once on the scene, investigators found that Quinto had been burning personal documents and cardboard inside a burn barrel in his home's backyard. Police said that when Quinto used gasoline as a fire accelerant, the blaze "erupted and involved him."

The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental.

Baltimore County officials are urging the public to take safety precautions when using outdoor burning devices, and to follow guidance provided by the county.