A husband and wife died Friday in a house fire in Chula Vista, and hoarder conditions inside of the house may have contributed to their death, officials confirmed.
The fire started inside the single-story home on Claire Avenue just before 7:30 a.m. according to Chula Vista Fire officials.
Firefighters responded and found people still in the home with smoke and fire showing.
The victims were Bud and Darlene Welker, ages 89 and 79 respectively, according to their family. One victim was found in one of the bedrooms. The other was found in the kitchen.
The battalion chief said both people tried escape the fire, but because they had piled up so many things, they were unable to get out.
Students were walking to nearby Hilltop High School when they spotted the smoke and fire.
Chula Vista Police diverted traffic from the scene north of J Streets and west of Interstate 805.
