Authorities say a woman was found dead inside a home that was badly damaged by a fire.

The fire on Ward Place in South Orange was reported around 2:45 a.m. Firefighters soon arrived and found the home engulfed in flames.

When emergency responders were able to enter the residence, police say they found 48-year-old Cecelia Cranko dead on the third floor of the home. No one else was hurt.

Original reports incorrectly identified the victim as a male.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office is leading the probe.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.