Woman and husband killed in Wilmington, Delaware fire, relative says

Two adults died in a townhome fire early Tuesday in Wilmington, Delaware, as intense heat and collapsing floors forced firefighters to retreat twice while trying to enter the three-story home, officials said.

Firefighters arrived shortly before 3 a.m. to find heavy flames throughout the home on 8th and Maryland avenues. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries and were treated and released from area hospitals.

"My older sister's gone, her and her husband," a woman told CBS News Philadelphia. "I'm on the phone with my pastor right now, she's trying to keep me calm." 

Neighbors said they woke to fire alarms and smoke as flames shot from windows and burning embers fell from the roof.

"It really could've been my house and my family," said Glenrick Squires, who lives two doors down from the home and said he had known the couple for years.

Brennan Rivers, another neighbor, said he woke to alarms and smoke seeping into his home.

"It was scary, man. It was tough," Rivers said.

As the fire spread, Rivers said, his primary concern was getting people out safely.

"Making sure that everyone that was in those houses were getting out and getting away as fast as we could," he said. "We can save the property later, but get the people out first."

Firefighters attempted to enter the home twice but were forced back by extreme heat and collapsing floors. After battling the fire from outside, crews later discovered two adults dead inside.

Authorities have not released the victims' identities.

Sharon Osburn, the sister of one of the victims, described the loss as overwhelming.

"It was a bad fire that took the life from both of them," Osburn said. "Too much. Too much is going through my mind right now."

Squires said he was struggling to accept the deaths of the couple, whom he described as longtime friends.

"It's real sad. He's a good guy, you know? He's a good inspiration to me," Squires said.

Squires recalled spending time talking with his neighbor and said the loss of the man and his wife was difficult to comprehend.

Investigators are working to determine what caused the fire.