An elderly couple died after a home caught fire in Harford County early Wednesday. Neighbors called 911 just after 8 a.m. to report the fire at a home on Gunpowder Drive in Joppa.

Fire crews arrived within minutes and discovered that the home was engulfed in flames.

"So when I woke up, I heard sirens and everything, and then I go to look outside and there were flames above the trees," said neighbor Zoe Kahler.

Neighbors told firefighters that they believed an elderly couple was still inside the house. The wife, neighbors said, was in a wheelchair.

When fire crews entered the home, they found one victim near the front door and brought them outside for medical treatment. The second victim was found in a back bedroom.

Both adults -- identified as 82-year-old Cliff Long and 81-year-old Miriam Long -- were pronounced dead. 

"It's really sad," Kahler said. "I can't believe it's happening. I hope their family, if they have any, I hope somebody called them and let them know."

 According to the State Fire Marshall's office, the bulk of the damage is on the left side of the home. The fire started on the roof and spread to a back bedroom, investigators said.

The Fire Marshal's Office took the opportunity to remind families about the importance of being prepared for the worst.

"Anytime we have a fatal fire, it's a tragic reminder of the importance of fire safety," said Master Deputy Oliver Alkire, from the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office. "This is why we advocate for smoke alarms, get out, stay out, and call 911. Don't ever go back inside a fire once you discover a fire."