FORT WASHINGTON, Md. - An adult male has died and several others are displaced after a fire at a Fort Washington apartment building, Prince George's County fire officials say.

The fire broke out in a top floor apartment in the 3-story building, located in the 1200 block of Palmer Road, just after 11 p.m. Saturday. Over 40 firefighters responded to the fire, which took about 15 minutes to contain.

The building has been boarded up but one can see that Unit  # 14 received most of the damage. Friends say that apartment is where Kenny Ross lived and where he died trying to get out.

"There wasn't a fire when I left," said Charles Knight, the victim's best friend.

It was a typical Saturday night for 60-year-old  Ross who was retired and enjoyed gathering with his friends and eating good food. Yet, only a half hour after Knight left Ross's apartment, his best friend died.

Prince George's Fire officials say the fire started in the apartment building, engulfing Ross's apartment in flames. The fire burnt right through the roof. His charred body was found on the floor, a sign he was trying to get out.

"It was such a horrendous feeling to see someone you love lying on the cold ground," said Fay Knight, friend of the victim. Fay says Ross was afraid to die in a fire and was even afraid something like this might happen.

"He had a ladder in his bedroom in case there was ever a fire that he could get out, so he didn't want to go that way," Fay said.

Raymond Bundy, who lives a few floors down in another building, knew Ross well.

"There was fire...I mean fire," said Bundy, victim's friend and neighbor.

Bundy thought the fire was somewhere else at first, not knowing it was his friend's apartment.

"All that black stuff and then I saw his. I mean, Kenny was a nice guy," added Bundy.

Ross will be forever missed by the friends he has known for decades.

"[It's] Devastating," said Beauford Massey, victims's friend. "Really hits you in your gut."

"It hasn't sunk in yet. I'm still expecting to see him," said Knight.

ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 reporter Courtney Robinson was told by sources at the scene that one of Ross's friend tried to beat down the door to his apartment but was unsuccessful. Officials are investigating but say it could be some time before the cause of the fire is determined because of its intensity. They do say it does not appear to be suspicious.

Eleven adults and three children are displaced after the fire. They are being assisted by the county's Citizens Service Unit. 

Fire department spokesman Mark Brady says firefighters returned to the apartment complex and other county communities Sunday to check smoke alarms and provide fire safety information.

The damage is estimated at $150,000. No other injuries were reported. 

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