‘It's extremely heartbreaking': Woman killed in West Chester house fire

A woman who was pulled from a burning home in West Chester on Tuesday morning has died, officials said.

On Tuesday, fire crews responded to a fire at a home along the 50 block of Patton Alley, at about 5:42 a.m., to find heavy flames at the building.

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

"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."

Pelna said the fire took place in a four unit apartment building and six people have been displaced by the incident.

According to fire officials, a woman -- who they have not yet provided further identifying information on -- was pulled from the burning structure and was taken to a nearby hospital.

However, as of about 8:15 a.m., officials said that the woman had died.

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Officials said the fire was placed under control by about 7:30 a.m.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

This is a breaking news story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.