MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. (WHNT) – State and local fire marshals have spent the day sifting through the scene of a fatal house fire that claimed the lives of two men.

Their hope is to find the cause of a Monday evening fire which killed John Jones and Arthur King.

As Muscle Shoals fire fighters arrived on Lafayette Street Monday night just before 10, flames were already shooting through the roof.

Fighting the blaze was not their first priority when they found out at least one person may be inside.

At great risk to himself, a fire fighter was able to get into the burning home to pull 70-year-old Arthur King from the flames.

“One of our Lieutenants was able to reach the front door, saw a victim laying inside the living room. They were able to get him out. He was unresponsive at the time, but they were able to get him back in the ambulance,” explained Donald Ray Coons, a Muscle Shoals Fire Marshal.

Delayed by the intense flames and heat, fire fighters were able to locate the second victim, 70-year-old John Jones deceased and lying in a bathtub.  Investigators believe he was trying to seek refuge from the flames.

Fire Marshal Coons said he did not find a smoke detector inside the home. Something, he believes may have saved a life.

“A lot of people will have them just in their hallway and in their kitchen. That’s old stuff. Get one put in every bedroom, in every hall, and plus one in the kitchen,” explained Coons. “People take them for granted, they shouldn’t. They can save your life.”

Coons along with the Deputy State Fire Marshal believe the fire started in a utility room and quickly spread through the attic.

During our latest update, Arthur King was listed in critical condition at UAB Hospital. He has since passed away from his injuries, according to the Colbert County coroner.