WELLS, N.Y. -- Smoke and ice are all that remain after Saturday morning's fire that left four people dead.

More than five fire departments responded to Riverview IRA on Route 30 in Wells. The 24 hour state run assisted living facility had 11 people inside. Two were staff members and the others were nine developmentally disabled adults. It's believed the fire started in the back of the building.

“It certainly was a severe fire. It engulfed the whole building and the occupants that were inside were injured pretty badly,” said Sergeant Bill Ranagan, New York State Police.

Two residents had to be airlifted to Albany Medical for treatment but did not survive. Rescuers found two others inside the building who never made it out.

“These individuals were part of the Sunmount family. We are devastated by this tragedy. Our hearts go out to the people, the families, staff that is absolutely devastated,” said OMRDD Spokeswoman, Nicole Weinstein.

Hours after the flames were put out; investigators are still trying to figure out the cause. According to Nicole Weinstein, a spokeswoman for the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, the building was up to code. It had working sprinklers and smoke detectors.

Still, residents, volunteer firefighters, and those passing buy are in disbelief that something this horrific happened to innocent people.

But amidst the loss, OMRDD says it's grateful for the firefighters who managed to save the rest.

“We are unbelievable grateful for them and for the assistance that they've shown to us. It only proves to us that these community members come together and take care of their own. We are thrilled by the response. We are grateful to them and we appreciate all that they've done and all that they will do,” said Weinstein.