STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Christmas morning fire that killed a couple and three of their grandchildren was devastating to firefighters who rushed into the engulfed home twice frantically looking for the victims before they were beaten back by the flames.

Stamford officials were offering counseling to the firefighters.

"After 37 and a half years, 38 years, on the job, you're never prepared for anything like this," acting fire Chief Antonio Conte said Tuesday. "It's heart-breaking. I had to re-call 70 firefighters today for debriefing, and most of them broke down."

Authorities on Tuesday described frantic, futile attempts to save the three girls and their grandparents after embers in a bag of discarded fireplace ashes started the accidental fire at the grand waterfront house, which was being renovated.