Elderly woman dies in Alexandra house fire

Police and fire safety officers are investigating the cause of a fire at a house in which an elderly woman was found dead in the Central Otago town of Alexandra this morning.

Alexandra Volunteer Fire Brigade deputy chief fire officer Mark Hutton said two fire engines raced to the Marslin St property after the 11.53am callout.

Firefighters quickly extinguished a small fire in the kitchen area of the single storey house, but discovered the body of an elderly woman.

Police and fire safety were investigating, Mr Hutton told NZPA.

"We're leaving it in the hands of the police and working through the investigation process," he said.

An Alexandra police spokeswoman said officers were still at the house.

- NZPA