PALMER, Mass. (AP) - Investigators say a blanket came into
contact with a space heater, sparking a fire that killed a woman in
Palmer.

Chief Alan Roy on Friday said destruction was so extensive
during the that investigators may never know for sure if there were
working smoke alarms in the apartment.

Firefighters arriving at the blaze in the four-unit apartment
building on Commercial Street early Thursday were not able to reach
44-year-old Theresa Francis because of the intensity of the flames.

Nine other people in the building - including three others in
Francis' apartment - were able to escape. One person was taken to
the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan says heating is the second
leading cause of fires in Massachusetts's homes.

Family and friends of Francis' have set up a fund to help her children.

If you would like to help the family financially, you can make donations to the Benefit Account for the Francis Children at any Country Bank of Savings branch.

Palmer High School will also begin accepting donations beginning Monday. Besides money, Theresa Roy Francis' sons are also in need of big items. Dream Catchers has already donated two twins beds. The older son is in need of a new car or help fixing his existing car.