Woman Killed In West Chester Apartment Fire

WEST CHESTER, PA —A 65-year-old West Chester woman died early Tuesday morning in a fire in an apartment building in the 50 block of Patton Alley, officials said

Alexandra Steele was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

"Sadly the victim died from injuries sustained in the fire," Dave March, West Chester spokesman, said. "Our thoughts are with the family during this time."

The fire ignited at 5:43 a.m. and was under control at 8:08 a.m.

Crews remained on the scene until noon. Several emergency responders received minor injuries.

Steve Pelna, chief of the West Chester Fire Department, said that there was heavy smoke that made entry into the building complicated, according to NBC10.

"It's extremely heartbreaking, especially when you walk into the apartments and see freshly unwrapped gifts, Christmas trees and decorations," Pelna said. "During a time of joy and time with your family, this is certainly heartbreaking today."

Chester County Fire Marshal John Weer is investigating the cause of the fire.

West Chester, West Whiteland, Goshen, Longwood, Po-Mar-Lin, and Downingtown fire departments, Good Fellowship Ambulance & EMS Training Institute, Uwchlan Ambulance Corps, and fire police from neighboring municipalities were at the scene.