Woman killed in West Seattle apartment fire

SEATTLE — Fire killed a woman in her apartment in West Seattle early Tuesday morning.

Firefighters who responded to the scene just after 2 a.m. found the victim's body less than 20 feet from the front door.

Neighbors said they did not hear a smoke detector going off when they tried to get into the apartment to help the woman.

Firefighters said the victim apparently used medical oxygen.

"We found some oxygen tanks inside the unit, and neighbors say she did use oxygen," said Kyle Moore of the Seattle Fire Department.

The fire was limited to the one apartment in a building in the 9100 block of 45th Avenue Southwest.

"She was a very sweet person, and due to schedules, I don't talk to her very much, but she's just a very sweet person, very kind," said Brad Loetell, a neighbor.

The building was evacuated for a short time.

KIRO