UPDATE: 79-Year-Old Woman Killed in Early Morning Fire in Long Branch

A fire broke out at a Long Branch home early Monday morning, killing a 79-year-old woman inside.

The fire was reported at 2:56 a.m. at 11 Howland Ave., and was extinguished in the next few hours.

Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Public Information Officer Charles Webster said an autopsy will be performed on the woman today to determine her cause of death. Webster said the identity of the woman has not yet been released, as the next of kin has not been notified.

Webster said the cause and origin of the fire have also not yet been released.

He said a firefighter suffered a minor injury while battling the blaze, but refused medical treatment. A neighbor also was affected by smoke inhalation, but the resident also refused medical treatment, Webster said.

The fire is still being investigated by the Monmouth County Prosecutor, Monmouth County Fire Marshal and the Long Branch Police.