A house fire on Jerkins Loop in Canoe claimed the lives of two people early this morning.

According to Kristie Jackson, a family friend of the victims, Perry Buckhault and Leanna Redmond were killed in the blaze that started at approximately 5 a.m.

Roderick Reed, of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, said the cause of the blaze is believed to be a wood-burning heater in use inside the home.

“One of the victims was loading a wood heater when his person caught fire,” Reed said. “A third person inside the home stated she tried to put him out but had to escape through a rear window.”

Jackson said the third person was Buckhault’s wife, Ida Mae, who escaped the fire unharmed. Jackson said Buckhault and Redmond, who was known as “Aunt Leena” were like family to her.

“She was like a mamma to me and he was like a daddy to me,” Jackson said. “They were always helping people. Anything they could do for people, they would do.”

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