SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Two people died in an early morning house fire in East Springfield Thursday.

According to Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte, two older adults believed to be related to each other died in the fire at 126 East Street. A dog was also killed in the fire.

“When I saw that this morning, that house was fully destroyed and it’s a little unnerving. It’s so sad, too much death,” said Chris Asselin in Springfield.

“Our hearts go out to the family who lost loved ones this morning,” said Commissioner Calvi. “Please take a few minutes today to be sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Test them every month and review your home escape plan so you and the people you care for can get out quickly in an emergency. These are crucial survival tools for every household.”

The fire was reported at around 2:30 A.M. at the two-story single-family home, not far from the Chicopee city line. The fire took about two hours to full put out. Firefighters found the victims inside the home after the fire.

The Springfield Arson and Bomb Squad is investigating the cause of the fire. However, a preliminary investigation believes the fire to be accidental in nature.

This deadly fire has local fire departments reminding people to practice fire safety in their homes.

“As we transition from winter to spring you’re going to see a little more outdoor activity so people are stepping out in their porches balconies things like that. If they are smoking they are smoking out there which tends to contribute to some of the porch fires you may see,” said West Springfield Fire Lt. Tony Spear.

Home fires are the most common type of emergency in the United States, and can cause deaths,
injuries and property loss within minutes of breaking out. Lt Spear believes that preparation is key to preventing these tragic incidents.

“We always advocate for working smoke detectors fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors those should be checked multiple times a year we recommend when the clock change but we check them more frequently if you think about them check them test them it takes about two minutes,” said Spear.

It’s important to safeguard your home. The American Red Cross recommends to set up your alarms. Working smoke alarms save lives and can cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half. Make and practice a home fire escape plan with your household so that everyone knows what to do and can escape in less than two minutes. Also, make sure to properly dispose of fire materials for those who are smoking or grilling outdoors.