CHIMACUM — A 74-year-old woman died from apparent smoke inhalation after her house caught fire Monday afternoon.

Mary Town was alone in her home at 4900 Center Road when the fire began just before 3 p.m. Monday.

Her husband, Thomas Town, 81, was away running errands at the time, said East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Chief Mike Mingee.

Cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and an investigation is under way, Mingee said.

He said Mary Town suffered from Alzheimer’s disease, which could have been a contributing factor to the fire’s cause.

The fire was reported by a passer-by who thought it was an illegal debris burn.

When East Jefferson Fire-Rescue crews arrived to investigate, they discovered the manufactured house on fire and called for reinforcements from Quilcene, Discovery Bay and Port Ludlow fire agencies, Mingee said.

Mary Town was discovered unconscious inside the house.

“The paramedics attempted resuscitation, but pronounced her dead at the scene,” Mingee said.