Woman killed in fire at home in Maple Ridge, B.C.

The RCMP say one woman has died in a residential fire in Maple Ridge, B.C.

Mounties say in a news release that officers responded to a structure fire Tuesday night.

They say smoke was billowing from the residence and firefighters were battling the blaze when officers arrived.

Firefighters found both the woman and a dog dead in the building after witnesses reported they could be inside.

Next of kin notifications are underway and the investigation is in the early stages.

"This is a very sad circumstance and we can't imagine what the family and friends of this woman must be going through. Our sincere condolences go out to them," Const. Julie Klaussner of the Ridge Meadows detachment says in the release.