LANCASTER — A devastating house fire early Wednesday morning has left a community in mourning after three people, including an infant, lost their lives in a blaze on E. Fifth Avenue. City officials confirmed that the victims were a young family, and the fire has shaken neighbors and first responders alike.

The deceased have been identified as 27-year-old Mason Elliot Marshall, his 26-year-old girlfriend, Christin Nicole Woodman, and their infant son, whose name has not yet been released. Two other individuals managed to escape the home and were treated and evaluated by medics at the scene. Thankfully, they did not require hospital transport.

According to Lancaster Fire Chief Slade Schultz, firefighters responded around 1 a.m. to heavy flames and smoke at the residence located at 655 1/2 E. Fifth Ave. Chief Schultz explained that the home’s location off an alley between Fifth and Sixth avenues made it particularly challenging for crews to reach the blaze and conduct rescue operations efficiently.

Firefighters acted quickly to save those trapped inside. “Two people were rescued from the house. They were treated and evaluated on scene by Lancaster medics. They were not transported,” Chief Schultz said. Despite the heroic efforts, the three family members could not be saved.

Multiple fire departments responded to assist with the fire, and the Red Cross was called in to help a displaced resident. By early Wednesday morning, crews had contained the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby homes. Authorities praised the coordination of responders under difficult conditions.

City police and the county coroner’s office remain on scene as the investigation continues. Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire, and investigators are working to piece together how the tragedy unfolded. As Lancaster comes to terms with this heartbreaking loss, residents are remembering the young family and hoping for answers about the deadly blaze.