Firefighter dies battling blaze at Md. home

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(AP) – Authorities say a firefighter died Monday after falling through the floor of a burning home.

Howard County Fire Department spokesman Brad Tanner identified him as Nathan Flynn, a 13-year veteran.

Firefighters were called to the Clarksville home after a report of a lightning strike, and three people inside were able to get out safely.

Tanner says firefighters were battling flames inside the home when Flynn fell through the floor. A mayday call was sounded, but it took 22 minutes to pull him out. Flynn was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Tanner says it's not clear what caused the floor to collapse beneath him.

Gov. Larry Hogan has ordered flags lowered to half-staff immediately. WMAR reports that Flynn is the first Howard County firefighter to die in the line of duty.