TAUNTON, Mass. (WPRI) — The investigation continues into a deadly fire that damaged a Taunton home Thursday afternoon.

Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Jon Davine announced Friday that there were no working smoke detectors in the home.

Firefighters rushed to North Walker Street after a passerby reported seeing smoke coming from a residence.

Taunton Fire Chief Steven Lavigne told 12 News firefighters knocked down the flames within 10 minutes.

Lavigne said the firefighters found a resident inside the home while fighting the flames. That resident, only identified as an older adult, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The resident’s two dogs also died in the fire, according to the chief.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, however, Davine said it appears accidental in nature.

Investigators also discovered two out-of-date smoke detectors without batteries inside the home.

“Smoke alarms are like any other appliance,” Davine said. “They don’t last forever. Take a few minutes to check the manufacturing date printed on the back of your smoke alarms and replace them if they’re more than 10 years old.”

“If there’s no date, replace it right away,” he continued. “When choosing a new alarm, select one from a well-known, national brand that has a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature.”

Davine said residents should never disable their smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.

“They’re your first line of defense against an emergency at home,” he added.

The resident’s exact cause of death will be determined by the state medical examiner.

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