Neighbors mourning woman killed in mobile home fire in Pepperell

Fire officials are investigating an early morning fire in Pepperell that left one person dead.

Crews responding to a reported structure fire on Harper Way around 2:50 a.m. Saturday found heavy fire coming from a mobile home, according to a joint statement issued by Pepperell Deputy Fire Chief John Rose, Pepperell Police Chief Todd Blain, and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.

Firefighters immediately made entry but could not locate any occupants. They attacked the fire and later found the sole resident, identified by fire officials as an older adult, dead inside. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. A dog also perished.

Neighbors say the woman who lived in the mobile home was nice and loved to garden and walk her dog.

Linda Bisbo said her son was the one who woke up and called 911.

“My son actually ran around outside and called her name but the smoke was so bad he pulled himself back … But there was no answer or anything,” she said. “She loved her dog, Bella, who also perished in the fire, but every day she walked her dog like clockwork.”

In a statement, Rose said, “On behalf of the Pepperell Fire Department, I want to express our condolences to the family that lost a loved one. This is a sad day for them and our community.”

The origin and cause of the fire are being investigated by the Pepperell Fire Department, Pepperell Police, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s office. They are supported by the Department of Fire Services’ Code Compliance & Enforcement Unit.