2-17-08 SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP- Double Fatal Dwelling

Fire units  were dispatched in Southampton to Westminster Drive for a dwelling fire.  First arriving units found heavy fire and smoke coming from a 1 story single family dwelling in a gated community for the aged. Command reported heavy fire conditions in the attached garage area with heavy fire conditions throughout the dwelling. State Police reported that firefighter entered the house while it was engulfed in flames to find a male in the rear bedroom.  Firefighter pulled the occupant out while EMS worked to revive him while en route to the hospital.  He was later pronounced dead.   The other victim was found DOA in the hallway of the structure.  State Police stated they believe the fire started in the garage area and extended through the dwelling which claimed the life of both occupants who were 78 and 80.  Neighbors reported it happened so quickly.  They report hearing the sirens and walking down to see it fully involved.  Minutes later it was nothing but rubble.  They stated fires like these just don’t happen in this neighborhood.The fire is under investigation by the State Police and State Fire Marshals Office.