Philadelphia fire companies responded early Sunday morning to a deadly fire in West Philadelphia at the Kearsley Square apartment complex.
According to law enforcement officials, the fire was reported just before 2 a.m. in the center at 2100 N. 49th Street.
The fire was reportedly extinguished by the facility's sprinkler system, but not before a woman died during the incident.
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Officials said Sunday that a 71-year-old woman was found dead by first responders after a fire that was contained to one room.
In a statement Sunday, Jennifer Sciarra, property manager for Kearsley Square said the fire was contained to an apartment in a building separate from the rehabilitation and nursing home.
"We can confirm there was a fire in a single apartment overnight at Kearsley Square, an age-restricted rental community on the Kearsley campus. Let me begin by saying that our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the deceased’s family members and loved ones. Let me also be clear: this was not a fire at Kearsley Rehabilitation & Nursing Center. Kearsley Square and Kearsley Rehabilitation & Nursing Center are separate entities, two distinct buildings," she said in a statement. "The fire was contained and extinguished quickly by the apartment building’s sprinkler system; there was no need to evacuate other Kearsley Square homes or the nursing center. We thank the Philadelphia Fire Department for its rapid response, professionalism and support in this difficult situation."
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Officials have not yet revealed the identity of the deceased, but they have said the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
This is a breaking news story and it will be updated as more information becomes available.
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