52-year-old woman victim of deadly fire in Torrington

TORRINGTON, CT (WFSB) - A woman was found dead after a fire broke out in a home in Torrington, police confirmed.

The victim was identified as Michele Cullen, age 52.

Police and the Torrington Fire Department responded to 27 Marvin St. on Wednesday around 8:20 a.m. Firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the home when they arrived on scene.

Neighbors say they heard an explosion around 8:15 a.m.

Steve Saunders, the owner of a roofing company, is working in the neighborhood today. He is one of many concerned for Cullen’s family.

“When I was supposed to come out here earlier this morning, they said, ‘Hold up,’ because there were hoses and fire trucks and something big going on,” said Steve Saunders of Torrington. “Pray for her.”

“Crews initiated fire suppression efforts and conducted a search of the interior,” police said in their report. “One individual was located inside the residence and was pronounced deceased at the scene.”

The American Red Cross responded to the home to assist the victim’s family.

There were two cats inside the home at the time of the fire. According to the fire department, one died. The second cat ran away.

“It’s extremely unfortunate for any death in life, no matter what it might be. If you have a sense of humanity, everything is unfortunate. It’s unfortunate we even have to talk about what’s going on here,” Saunders said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.