Woman dies in fire; spouse able to escape

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. – Authorities said a woman has died in a house fire on Bainbridge Island.

Bainbridge Island Fire Department officials said a man escaped from the house fire early on Saturday, but the body of his wife was found inside.

Assistant Fire Chief Luke Carpenter said portions of the house were collapsing and the large blaze prevented firefighters from entering to rescue the woman.

The Kitsap Sun reported she was identified as Anne Henningsen Schlee; she was in her 80s.

The fire started at about 1 a.m. Officials said an investigation into the cause of the fire has been delayed because the structure is unsafe to enter.