Father dies in fire in the USA while trying to save son who had already escaped

Fire broke out at a residence on Sunday night (5) in Hollywood, in the state of Maryland, USA. The Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department was called around 10pm after reports that a child was inside the property.

Christopher Gierhart entered the house again when he believed his son was still trapped. Investigators later confirmed that the boy had already escaped safely before his father returned to the property.

Firefighters found Gierhart lifeless on the second floor, when the house was already completely engulfed in fire. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and had been commander of Electronic Attack Squadron 142.

Authorities reinforced the warning about risks linked to fireworks even after the celebrations ended. "Our hearts go out to this family at this time of unimaginable loss. As we continue the investigation, we want everyone to remember that fireworks still pose a risk once the spectacle is over," said Jason Mowbray, acting chief of the Maryland State Fire Marshal.

Investigation is investigating whether the fire started because of fireworks used on the 4th of July. The hypothesis is that the artifacts were thrown in a trash can on the back porch of the house.

Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office assesses that the material may have become hot enough to start the flames. According to the agency, the heat would have ignited combustible items inside the container.

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