Jan 25, 2024 By Jon Andreassi 2 min read

First responders discovered a Peters Township woman dead in her home after a fire Thursday afternoon.

Peters Township Fire Chief Michael McLaughlin said firefighters were called to 103 Spruce Drive shortly before 2:30 p.m., though they were initially dispatched to the wrong address of 106 Spruce.

Upon arrival, McLaughlin said the fire was already out, but there was a haze of smoke in the home’s second story where the woman’s body was found.

“The fire had apparently burnt out. Only hot spots and smoke conditions remained,” McLaughlin said.

The Washington County coroner identified the woman as Cathleen Castagna, 67.

The state police fire marshal was at the scene Thursday afternoon. According to McLaughlin, the fire marshal’s initial reporting was that the fire was “an accidental cause with positive indication of ignition caused by careless smoking.” There were no smoke detectors in the home.

State police continue to investigate and have yet to declare a definitive cause.

According to the coroner, Castagna was declared dead at 3:49 p.m. Her cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.

Emergency responders were alerted to the fire after Castagna’s sister-in-law contacted 911.

“Her relative came home to check on her, and knew something was wrong,” McLaughlin said.

There were no other injuries reported as a result of the fire. McLaughlin said the Peters fire department will be in the neighborhood in the coming weeks to discuss home fire safety with the neighbors. They will also install smoke detectors to any house that does not have any.