Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A 2-alarm fire that heavily damaged this home at 6 Harris Ave. Wednesday morning claimed the life of its occupant, 81-year-old Shirley Mae Gordon. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

Gordon, who apparently lived alone in the old, New Englander-style residence at 6 Harris Ave., was rescued from the burning home by firefighters who responded to the fire, which broke out about 5:30 a.m.

Gordon was pronounced dead a short time later, officials said.

Also under investigation is the cause of the fire, according to state Fire Marshal Paul J. Parisi. While he didn’t say whether investigators are concentrating on a particular area of the home while developing clues as to the fire’s origin, he did issue cautionary reminders to all homeowners on several fronts.

First, Parisi urges everyone to “maintain working smoke alarms in their home,” and stated the importance of keeping all exits clear of debris and to “have your heating systems inspected and maintained on an annual basis.”

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS State Fire Marshal Paul Parisi arrives at the scene of Wednesday morning's fire that claimed the life of 81-year-old resident Shirley Mae Gordon. The cause remains under investigation. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

Also, Parisi cautioned, residents should make sure to keep all combustible materials at least 3-5 feet from any heating appliance.

Parisi said Merrimack firefighters arrived to find heavy fire on the first floor that was extending into the second floor of Gordon’s residence.

Interim Merrimack Fire Chief Matthew Duke struck a second alarm, which brought an engine and ladder truck from Nashua to the scene.

He said crews initially worked to knock down the fire so they could enter the home to conduct a search for any occupants.

Once they were able to access the building, Duke said, firefighters had a difficult time making their way around, due to a large accumulation of items in the house.

Photo by Jeffrey Hastings Merimack firefighters work from ladders and on the ground while battling Wednesday morning's 2-alarm fire that claimed the life of 81-year-old resident Shirley Mae Gordon. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

Crews were nevertheless able to locate the occupant, later identified as Gordon, in the rear portion of the house. They brought her out and performed CPR, but were unable to revive her, Duke said.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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