Two older adults died in a fire in an Acushnet multi-family home early Christmas morning, the Acushnet Fire Department reported.

“On behalf of the Acushnet Fire Department, I want to express our heartfelt condolences to the victims’ family and loved ones,” Acushnet Fire Chief Thomas Farland said in a Department of Fire Services release. “This is a heartbreaking day for them and our community.”

At about 1:50 a.m. Wednesday morning, Acushnet Fire Department and Acushnet Police responded to multiple calls reporting a fire at a two and a half story home at 34 Garfield St., the department said.

Upon arrival, responders found “heavy smoke and flames,” Acushnet Fire said. One resident had escaped safely after a neighbor saw the fire and pounded on the door, and another was out of the country.

Three people were unaccounted for, the department said.

The heavy fire caused a partial collapse of the roof and “major structural damage” to the home, according to Acushnet Fire, and firefighters began immediately attacking the blaze.

The responders entered the house, finding two residents dead inside.

The firefighters battled the heavy fire for about an hour, bringing it under control, the department reported. Following the effort, one firefighter was taken to the hospital but is “expected to recover.”

Acushnet Fire and the Department of Fire Services said the victims are “preliminarily believed” to be a man and woman in their 80s.

“The office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct a formal identification procedure and determine the cause and manner of their deaths,” the release said.

One resident was injured, and all surviving occupants were displaced by the fire, the department said.

The Acushnet Fire Department, along with local and state police and fire officials, said they are actively investigating the cause and origin of the fire. Fairhaven Fire Department, Mattapoisett EMS, and Providence Canteen provided support at the scene.

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Investigators said both witnesses and first responders did not hear smoke alarms sounding when they arrived at the burning home.

“Our hearts go out to the family at a time of such terrible loss,” said State Fire Marshal Jon Davine. “We’ve seen too many tragedies this year. Please, if you do one thing today, talk to the people you care about and be sure they have working smoke alarms on every level of their homes.”