Woman found dead at W. Oak Lane house fire

An 85-year-old woman was apparently killed in a house fire in the city's West Oak Lane section this afternoon, the fire commissioner said.

Evelyn Stohlman was found dead on her living room couch, which had caught fire, said Commissioner Lloyd Ayers. The fire, which was limited to the first-floor couch, was reported at 3:33 p.m. in the 7100 block of Forrest Avenue and placed under control 15 minutes later.

Stohlman was being cared for by her daughter, who had gone shopping and returned to find a fire scene at her home, Ayers said. Stohlman was not a smoker and there were no candles or medical equipment nearby. The smoke alarm had sounded, but Stohlman did not or could not react to it. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

City residents who want fire prevention help can call 311 or 215-686-1176 or visit the Fire Department's Web site at www.freedomfromfire.com.

   - Robert Moran