Elderly woman dies in accidental Oakdale apartment fire

An elderly woman died in an Oakdale apartment blaze on Sunday afternoon, officials confirmed on Monday morning. Officials believe the fatal incident was accidental in nature, but the exact cause remains under active investigation. First responders found the female resident unresponsive after entering the residence.

The Oakdale Police Department dispatched officers to a reported residential fire at about 3:08 p.m. Units responded directly to the 10 block of South Willowood Drive. Police entered the building and immediately discovered the woman.

Investigators discovered that the resident was a “heavy smoker,” according to police. The resident also used supplemental oxygen. Officials stated that the blaze is currently believed to be “accidental in nature.” The cause is still under investigation.

Police departments routinely coordinate with fire investigators to examine structural damage and determine origin points. Officers also secure the location while emergency teams process evidence.

Her identity was withheld pending notification of next of kin in Oakdale, Stanislaus County.