CHELMSFORD — State and local officials are investigating a fatal house fire that claimed the lives of two men this morning.
According to a joint statement from Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan, Chelmsford Police Chief Colin Spence, State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine, and Middlesex County District Attorney Marian T. Ryan, a neighbor reported the fire at 53 Mobile Avenue just after 4:40 a.m. on October 4.
A Chelmsford Fire Department engine company, which had been nearby on an unrelated call, arrived within moments and found smoke and flames showing from both the front and rear of the building. A ladder company arrived shortly thereafter.
Firefighters made immediate entry to search for occupants and attack the fire. Two men, both in their 50s, were located inside and removed from the residence. They were pronounced dead at the scene. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of their deaths.
According to officials, firefighters brought the fire under control within about 30 minutes, and it did not spread to neighboring properties.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Chelmsford Fire Department, Chelmsford Police Department, state police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and state police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office. The Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit is also assisting.
Officials said the fire does not appear suspicious at this time.
“Investigators found no working smoke alarms at the scene,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “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.”
Anyone with questions about the investigation is asked to contact the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office.
