At Vista South, 1116 Mercer Street in New Castle smoke quickly filled three of the six floors of this apartment complex shortly after 3:30 Monday afternoon.
 
The Alarm at the complex alerted tenants and caregivers.
 
About half of the residents were evacuated, while half were told to shelter in place.  
 
"When our crews arrived they found the top three floors had been charged with smoke. We made entry in an apartment on the third floor and found an active fire close to the area of the bed. We were able to extinguish the fire, and in that process we did discover a victim that succumbed to smoke and fire injuries," Fire Chief Mike Kobbe said.
 
he victim was partially mobile and there was no oxygen or medical devices apparent that could have caused a fire. 
People who live here say they are saddened by the loss.
 
"We have had people die from natural causes, never a fatality so that is a big blow here for the community. A lot of the guys are close. A lot of the ladies are close down here, and yea, what a shame," Jason Allen said. 
 
New Castle Firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading to other apartments.
 
Residents here tell me there are about 75 apartments on 6 floors, with mostly older residents who rely on personal assistance. 
 
There are some younger families that also live at the complex.
 
The Fire Chief Mike Kobbe tells 21 News, the damage was contained to one room on the third floor.
 
All the other residents were allowed back inside after the fire was put out, and the smoke cleared.
 
The coroner's office will notify relatives and conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
 
The Pennsylvania Fire Marshal's Office is investigating the origin of the fire. 
 
Currently it appears accidental.