WORCESTER - Two people have died and a third person is suffering life threatening injuries following a five-alarm fire in Worcester on Friday night.

The fire broke out Friday evening just before 7:30 PM at a pair of multi-family home on Jaques Ave. 

According to the Worcester Fire Department [WFD], the two victims of the fire are residents at 13 Jaques Ave. 

A third person sustained life threatening injuries after jumping from the back porch of the building. The WFD could not confirm whether the person jumped from the second or third floor.

Deputy Chief Martin Dyer said when firefighters arrived they received multiple reports of people trapped in the building. However, the fire had engulfed the middle and back portions of the three-decker making it difficult for firefighters to continue a search. 

Dyer said, "Conditions deterioated quickly and we pulled firefighters out for their safety." There are no reported injuries to firefighters.

Friday night's fire is the second large fire the WFD had to deal with on Friday. Earlier in the day, firefighters battled a three-alarm blaze on William St.

In a released statement from City Manager Edward Augustus, Jr., he said called it "an extremely trying day for our community."

Augustus said, "Both fires have displaced numerous people and left them in need of immediate support. We are thankful for the responses of emergency agencies such as MEMA and the American Red Cross to help them. We extend our deepest gratitude for the brave and selfless efforts of firefighters and emergency personnel who worked the scene at each blaze. They have battled frigid temperatures and weather conditions that have created challenging situations for everyone involved. In this time of tragedy, the survivors and victims are in our thoughts and prayers.”