CHELMSFORD, MA – Two men in their 50s died Saturday morning in an early-morning house fire in Chelmsford, and investigators found no working smoke alarms at the scene, fire officials said.
A neighbor reported a fire at 53 Mobile Avenue at around 4:40 a.m. Saturday, according to state and local public safety officials.
Firefighters who entered the building to battle the blaze found two men, both in their 50s. Both were declared dead at the scene, officials said.
“This is a very sad day for our community and especially for the two families who lost loved ones,” Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan said in a press release. “On behalf of the Chelmsford Fire Department, I want to extend our heartfelt condolences.”
The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of family members.
The Chelmsford Fire and Police Departments and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the fire, but officials said it does not appear to have been suspicious.
State Fire Marshal Jon Davine used the tragedy to emphasize the critical importance of working smoke alarms in preventing fire deaths.
“Investigators found no working smoke alarms at the scene,” Davine said. “We can’t stress enough how important smoke alarms are to surviving a fire at home — especially when we’re sleeping. Please take a few minutes today to be sure you and your loved ones are protected.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.
Fire officials recommend installing smoke alarms on every level of a home, including inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Alarms should be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years.
The cause of the Chelmsford fire remains under investigation. Officials have not disclosed the extent of damage to the residence or whether other occupants were in the home at the time.
Chelmsford, located approximately 25 miles northwest of Boston, is home to approximately 36,000 residents.
Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Chelmsford Fire Department or Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit.
