Elderly woman killed in fire | News

DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) - Dothan authorities believe an elderly Dothan woman died from long-term smoke exposure as a fire smoldered in her home early Tuesday morning.

According to the Dothan Fire Department, crews were dispatched to a fire at 108 Bridgewater Court at approximately 9:46 a.m. When units arrived on the scene there was no visible fire and very little smoke, however, upon entering the home firefighters encountered high heat and heavy smoke conditions.

Crews conducted a search of the home and found a woman unresponsive in her bedroom where she had succumbed to the heavy smoke conditions.

Initial investigations reveal that the fire had burned for a long amount of time, and as a result it generated a large amount of smoke inside the residence - it eventually burned down to a smoldering phase fire prior to its detection.

Authorities say 83-year-old Rose Thomas was the woman found in the home.

Investigators were able to rule out any electrical sources of ignition as well as foul play. They say the cause was a "terrible accident."