Autopsies are being performed to determine the exact cause of death of two men who died in a Salem house fire early Sunday morning. 

Some sources say because of the condition of the home they may never know the exact cause of the blaze.

But neighbors tell 21 News they believe it's a tragedy that could have been prevented.

The DePrill Family of Salem is forced to pick up the pieces after the devastating fire early Sunday morning.

The fire took the lives of two men they believe were living in the home next door.  The heat and flames destroyed not only the home at 537 Franklin Avenue, but also severely damaged two others.

Theresa Deprill, who has lived in the neighborhood seven years, says, "It's tragic that two men have lost their lives in something that could have been prevented.  The house had been condemned for four years.  Four years ago there had been a previous fire."

DePrill says that neighbors warned city leaders including the mayor and housing inspector that they were concerned that the man who was purchasing the home on land contract - Michael Tyson was also staying at the home in violation of a city ordinance.  She says they complained and nothing was done.

"For three years the gentleman had lived there off and on, in a condemned house.  Complaints came from all the neighbors to the city officials that people are living there in the winter, burning logs, and palettes, anything they could find to heat themselves," DePrill said.

But the mayor and housing enforcement officer claim they never received any complaints about anyone actually living in the home while it was condemned.

Salem Mayor John Berlin tells 21 News, "It was my understanding he was working on the home and if he was staying there at night.  We're unaware of what's happening on a daily basis with the remodeling.  The house was condemned. There was someone working on it and it happened to be the person who lost his life along with perhaps one of his friends.  We're deeply saddened over that."