Autopsy results are expected to be released after four people were found dead of suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in a Wakefield, New Hampshire, home on Christmas Day.
Police were called to the home on Province Lake Road near Stump Pond about 4:21 p.m. Wednesday and found the people dead, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal's Office and local police and fire officials. Family members had called police after the victims didn't show up to celebrate Christmas.
The four people found dead were all adults. Their names have not been released pending the notification of family members.
Investigators said they believe carbon monoxide, an odorless, poisonous gas produced in the burning of fuel, is what caused the deaths. But they haven't said what is suspected to have created the deadly levels of carbon monoxide.
"We don't know what to say about it. It's so close to us," neighbor Ed Arcand said Thursday. "You go by that house all the time. Now this happens. We'll never be able to see it a different way anymore. Every time we drive by, we're going to be thinking of that."
Emergency officials on Thursday were warning everyone to check their fire and carbon monoxide detectors on a regular basis.
"Yesterday our members, along with officers from Wakefield Police Department, responded to a truly tragic incident," the Wakefield Fire Department said in a Facebook post Thursday morning. "Our thoughts are with the family members and loved ones of those who passed away. It hits a little harder during the holiday season."
The fire departments in nearby Milton and Wolfeboro shared similar messages on their Facebook pages.
"Our thoughts are with the victims of this tragic Carbon Monoxide event in Wakefield," Milton Fire-Rescue said. "Please also keep in mind the firefighters, EMTs, police officers and investigators who responded to this needless tragedy. Please ensure you, your family and your friends all have working carbon monoxide detectors, they truly save lives."
"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims and our brothers and sisters of Wakefield Fire/Rescue," Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue said in their post. "Please test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, as well as make sure to regularly maintain your heating, cooking, and other household appliances."
