Two people were killed in a house fire in Acton early Wednesday morning.
NewsCenter 5's Gail Huff reported that the residents of a home at 14 Capt. Forbush Lane, both in their 70s, died in the blaze. Their names have not yet been released.
The fire started before 1:30 a.m. and went to three alarms when fire crews realized there were people trapped inside the house. Firefighters were not able to get inside the house when they first arrived because of heavy smoke and flames.
"The structure was heavily involved. By the time the first arriving companies arrived, it was a difficult fire," Acton Fire Chief Robert Craig said.
Neighbors called 911, fearful that the couple was trapped inside.
"They were on the second floor of the structure. It was difficult. As I said, the structure was heavily involved at the time the first-arriving companies arrived," Acton Fire Chief Robert Craig said.
The couple lived in the neighborhood for many years and raised their family in the house, residents said. Authorities said the couple might have suffered from medical disabilities that could have prevented their being able to escape from the burning home.
"Last summer, I can remember that I would see them from time to time at midafternoon. I don't think she was real well," neighbor Nancy Zeabers said.
The fire stunned residents who live in the quiet neighborhood called Minuteman Ridge.
"Oh yeah, everybody knew (the couple)," neighbor Patrick Sweeney said.
State fire officials said the fatal fire was cause for concern. Last week, a 21-year-old woman died in a house fire in Westford, Mass.
"These two fatalities bring to the number of 26 the number of Massachusetts citizens that have died as a result of fire since Jan. 1, and that's a very disturbing number to me. It's a staggering number, well above our five-year average for fire deaths in this state," State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan said.
