UPDATE: Deadly Afternoon Fire Under Investigation in Newton

An elderly woman died in a Friday afternoon fire at 48 Rowe St., Newton fire officials confirm.

According to Twitter reports from earlier in the day, Newton firefighters responded to reports of smoke at the address near the intersection of Rowe Street and Prairie Avenue. The Twitter reports also indicate that the fire was knocked down within 3 minutes.

Lt. Eric Frike told WCVB that the fire was contained to a porch without extension to the back of the house.

WCVB reports that arson is a possibility.

Fricke told Patch that representatives from the state fire marshal's office as well as the Newton Fire Department are investigating the cause and origin of the blaze. He said a full report is expected early next week.