Husband and wife killed in house fire in N. Harris County

HARRIS COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- A husband and wife have died after a house fire in north Harris County.

Two Harris County Sheriff's deputies were also treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, with one of those deputies being transported to the hospital.

The fire broke out just before 4:40am at a home on Woodchurch Lane near Spring Bridge, right off of Cypress Creek Parkway.

Dispatchers received word there may have been two people trapped inside the home. Neighbors say two seniors live inside the home where the fire broke out.

The Ponderosa Fire Department confirms now that the couple have died in that fire.

The couple's son, Dane Kelley, says his parents are Betty and Dave Kelley, both 81 years old. He says they've lived in the house since 1963.

"It was kind of like 'Leave it to Beaver' with Mom and Dad. Always dressed and professional," Dane said.

Their only son recalled summers with his dad spent fishing and driving motorcycles. He says Betty was a stay-at-home mom, her make-up always perfect and hair never out of place. Recently, Dane says his parents' health declined. He says his mom suffered a stroke a few years ago.

"She didn't know the difference between nail polish and lipstick, she couldn't dial a phone, she didn't know how to operate a microwave or anything like that," Dane said.

Firefighters found Betty in the kitchen and Dave in a bedroom. Dane wonders if his mother was trying to cook.

"At least they got to go together," Eva Hewitt said. Hewitt's family lives across the street.

She woke to windows breaking, followed by intense flames and smoke. She says she knew the couple was trapped inside.

"It's just sad when you're trying to stand here and you're helpless," Hewitt said.

Firefighters are still trying to figure out what caused the fire.

The deputies taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation are expected to be okay.