Elderly NH Couple Killed In Fire In Merrimack

MERRIMACK, NH — An elderly couple were killed in a fire in Merrimack on Gail Road Tuesday morning, authorities said. They were identified as Pauline and Larry Hall, both 84. The fire broke out at about 12:30 a.m. at their residence as they slept.

"The fire originated in the living room ... and the preliminary cause of the fire appears to be careless disposal of smoking materials," Acting State Fire Marshal Max Schultz said in a statement. "Medical oxygen equipment located in the area of origin may have also contributed to the fire growth conditions. Additionally, there were no working smoke alarms located inside the residence."

Firefighters were alerted to the blaze by a passerby at about 12:40 a.m. The firefighters found the couple inside the burning home and they were pronounced dead at the scene.

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