Northport fire claims the life of 64-year-old woman

NORTHPORT, N.Y. (WABC) -- Police on Long Island are investigating a deadly house fire that claimed the life of a woman.

The flames broke out at the home on Theron Place in Northport just after 7:30 a.m.

Suffolk police identified the victim as 64-year-old Ellen Carberry. They say she had safely escaped, but she re-entered home, presumably to save her two cats.

Northport Volunteer Fire Department Chief Joe Pansini said the home was consumed with fire when firefighters arrived. They tried to fight through the flames to rescue the woman, but it was impossible to get inside.

"It's unfortunate when there's a fatality," Pansini said. "Our guys did all they could."

One firefighter suffered minor injuries.

It took about an hour to extinguish the fire.

The cause and origin of the fire were not clear.

Police and town fire marshals are on the scene, and the investigation ongoing.