Herbert B. Thomas Jr., 67, a longtime resident of Randallstown, Maryland, lost his life in a tragic house fire on the night of December 29, 2025, after bravely trying to save his two beloved dogs. The fatal blaze erupted just after 10 p.m. on the 3800 block of Cherrybrook Road, casting a quiet neighborhood into sudden grief.
Fire crews arrived to find heavy flames pouring from both the front and back of Thomas’s single-family home. Neighbors and first responders worked quickly to control the blaze and get residents to safety.
Thomas was able to escape the burning house at first, but in a heartbreaking decision driven by love, he ran back inside to look for his dogs. Moments later, firefighters found him and his two pets together in the home. All three had died from the intense smoke and fire conditions.
Baltimore County Fire Department officials later determined the fire was accidental, caused by unattended cooking. This tragic finding echoes common fire hazards that can turn a normal evening into a nightmare.
This incident marks the fourth fire-related fatality in Baltimore County this year, a stark reminder of how quickly accidents in the home can become deadly. Fire officials are urging everyone to stay in the kitchen when cooking, turn off appliances before leaving the room, and make sure smoke alarms are installed and regularly tested throughout the house.
Neighbors describe Thomas as a warm, gentle man who cared deeply for his animals and his community. Many say his final act — going back for his dogs — captures the deep bond he shared with them. The loss has left a quiet sadness in the area as friends and neighbors reflect on his kindness.
Family, friends, and community members are mourning his passing while celebrating his life. His love for his pets and the selfless courage he showed in his final moments have touched many hearts. Plans for a memorial are expected as the community comes together to honor his memory.
As the family grieves, fire safety remains at the forefront of conversations across Baltimore County. Officials hope that sharing this story will prompt others to take simple, life-saving precautions in their own homes.
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