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Mar 6, 2008 9:00 pm US/Eastern

Elderly Woman Killed In Gloucester Co. Fire

WILLIAMSTOWN (CBS 3) ― An elderly woman was killed in a three-alarm fire that swept through a Gloucester County 55 and older community Wednesday night.

Firefighters were called to the Holiday City community in Williamstown after reports of the fire just after 10:30 p.m.

"I heard a roar and a cackling and I went to the window and I heard an explosion of some kind," said one neighbor.

Officials said the intense flames ripped through six homes. Crews were able to bring the fire under control just after 11:30 p.m.

Fire officials confirmed 92-year-old Alfreda Scharble was killed in the fiery blaze. Officials said Scharble was a known heavy smoker who often smoked in bed.

One firefighter was treated for exhaustion, but no additional injuries were reported.

The fire apparently began in Scharble's bedroom. An oxygen tank was found in the home, but investigators said it was not involved in the blaze.

Three of the six homes affected by the fire have been deemed inhabitable. The displaced residents are reportedly staying with friends and family.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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