Updated Nov. 19, 2008

State Police investigators are working to identify the cause of a fire that claimed the life of a Powhatan County resident last Wednesday.

According to a release issued by the Powhatan fire department, firefighters were called to 2650 Three Bridge Road just after 7:30 a.m. after receiving a report of smoke coming from the home.

While conducting a sweep of the residence, firefighters found a woman near the back door.

Sergeant Tom Cunningham with the Virginia State Police confirmed yesterday that the victim was Mary Ellen Barnett, 61, a resident of the home.

According to fire officials, rescue workers tried to revive Barnett but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

It has not yet been determined if the home had working smoke detectors.

As the case is still under investigation, no further information has been released.