Thick smoke prevents quick rescue at scene of fatal apartment fire in Coaldale, Alta.

A woman is dead following an overnight fire at a seniors'apartment block in Coaldale, Alta.

RCMP say they received a 911 call around 1 a.m. regarding a person in distress at the three-storey block, but the reason for the call wasn't clear.

Emergency responders discovered they were dealing with a fire when they arrived, but a wall of thick smoke prevented quick access to a third-floor suite.

The woman was rescued and attempts were made to save her life, but she died from what is believed to be smoke inhalation.

All the other residents were safely removed and the fire was contained to the one apartment and quickly extinguished.

Police say they don't think the fire was the result of criminal activity.

Coaldale is located about 20 kilometres east of Lethbridge.

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