Investigators are looking for answers, after a woman and child were killed in a fire in Auburn. It happened Saturday night in a new housing development. Our Iris St. Meran spoke with the chief and has more information about what crews had to deal with when they arrived on scene.

AUBURN, N.Y. -- There isn't much damage visible to the outside of this home on Greenview Circle in Auburn. But inside, a woman and a young child lost their lives in a fire Saturday night. Firefighters were called here just after 11 p.m. When they arrived they could hear smoke detectors going off, but there were no flames that they could see.

Auburn Fire Chief Jeff Dygert said, "Upon entry into the building to do their fire suppression, and rescue efforts they came across two unconscious females in the front room of the building. They were removed and they began performing life saving measures."

The two, a 38-year-old woman and two year old girl, were taken to Auburn Community Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. While their cause of death has yet to be determined, the chief says the amount of smoke inside was overwhelming.

"We had a relatively small fire and a significant amount of smoke in the structure," said Dygert.

Despite the tragic outcome, Chief Dygert says their response time was relatively quick, thanks to a neighbor who made the initial call for help.

"We always try to let people know how important it is to be a good neighbor,” Dygert said, “Watch out for your neighbor whether it's a crime issue or safety issue, but it's important to be a community looking out for each other."

Police have not released the identity of the victims. An autopsy is underway.

Anyone with information is asked to call Auburn Police at (315) 253-3231.