An early morning house fire in New Brunswick has taken the life of a woman who lived there.

Officials say that the fire started around 6 a.m. at the multi-family home along Delavan Street.

The victim, who was in her 80s, was found by New Brunswick firefighters soon after arriving at the home. The woman was rushed off to nearby Robert Wood Johnson University Medical Center. However, fire officials say the woman did not survive her injuries.

Neighbors say the victim owned the home and rented the first floor to a tenant.

Alena Chekanov says she woke this morning to the sound of smoke alarms and ran to the street in her bathrobe with one of her cats cradled in her arms.

“It seemed like it started in the attic, that’s where the firemen went first," said Chekanov.

She made it out with one of her cats, yet is still hoping to find the second.

“She’s in good shape, but I’m hoping the other one is good. I sent pictures to all of the neighbors, so I’m feeling optimistic," said Chekanov.

Middlesex County fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire. The victim’s name has not yet been revealed.