(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) A tarp set up by investigators hangs from the side of the mobile home that was destroyed early Wednesday morning by a fast-moving fire. One person was killed in the fire.

NASHUA — The 79-year-old woman killed in Wednesday’s early morning mobile home fire died of smoke inhalation, according to state and local fire investigators.

Lorraine Malignaggi, who just moved in to the mobile home at 21 Mercury Lane several months ago, was found deceased in the residence by firefighters who had to beat back heavy flames to eventually make their way inside.

State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said firefighters found Malignaggi’s body “during suppression efforts” inside the residence.

While Malignaggi’s manner of death is ruled accidental, the exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by Nashua and state fire officials, Toomey added.

The blaze, which was reported around 1:30 a.m., drew four Nashua engines, a ladder truck and an ambulance to 21 Mercury Lane, where Capt. Tim Wholey, commander of the first-arriving crew on Engine 2 out of Lake Street station, reported the mobile home “fully involved in fire” with flames shooting through the roof, according to Nashua Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Glen MacDonald.

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) Nashua firefighters try to make their way into the mobile home on Mercury Lane after knocking down heavy fire that ended up destroying the residence. One person died in the blaze, officials said.

Not only were crews faced with heavy flames that they had to beat back in order to get inside the home to search for occupants, they also had to deal with temperatures hovering around zero degrees.

MacDonald said no firefighters or other civilians were injured.

He said in his report that whether the home was equipped with smoke detectors, and if so, whether they were working, wasn’t immediately known.

But Toomey in a statement said he “would like to remind (everyone) of the importance of having working smoke detectors in your home.”

He also urged residents to keep exits clear of debris, have a home fire-escape plan in place, and have heating systems inspected and maintained at least once a year.

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) Firefighters are faced with a combination of smoke and steam as they work their way into the burning mobile home in Nashua early Wednesday morning. One person died in the fire.

It’s also important, Toomey said, to keep combustible materials at least 3-5 feet away from any heating appliance.

The mobile home is located roughly in the middle of the park, which is one of several in southwest Nashua owned by Rodgers Mobile Home Park Inc.

The handful of streets in the park, which is bordered by Gilson Road and Musket and Pioneer drives, are named after planets.

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

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) A tarp set up by investigators hangs from the side of the mobile home that was destroyed early Wednesday morning by a fast-moving fire. One person was killed in the fire.

(Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) The charred remains of appliances and furniture sit among the wreckage of the mobile home that went up in flames early Wednesday morning, resulting in the death of one occupant.