Chester County house fire kills woman, 49

Investigators yesterday were searching for the cause of a fire that killed a Chester County woman Thursday evening, but it does not appear to be suspicious, according to officials.

Karen L. Knopse, 49, of the 100 block of Chesterville Road in New Garden Township, was found dead in her home after the blaze was extinguished, police said. An autopsy was scheduled for last night, said Chester County Coroner Robert O. Satriale.

Trooper John J. Clifford of the state police fire marshal unit said that no smoke detectors were found in the one-story house, which was declared a total loss. Knopse lived alone, he said. - Nancy Petersen