Annita Owe, 81, was discovered suffering from medical problems near a smoking fireplace in the lobby of Regency Park Assisted Living at 730 Route 3 at about 9:20 p.m., said Capt. Mara McFarland of the county Fire Department's Fire Investigations Unit. The woman's pocketbook was inside the gas fireplace on fire, which had caused thick smoke to pour into the room, Capt. McFarland said.

When firefighters arrived at the assisted-living center, the flames had been extinguished, leaving only the charred remains of the purse, said Lt. Stuart Peters, a county Fire Department spokesman.

Fire crews worked to ventilate the building. Ms. Owe was conscious when staff had found her, but was having trouble breathing, Capt. McFarland said.

She was taken by ambulance to Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie with life-threatening injuries, he said. She was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

Preliminary reports from the medical examiner in Baltimore show Ms. Owe died from smoke inhalation complicated by her medical history.

Firefighters are investigating the fire, but they do not think there was any foul play, Capt. McFarland said.

"We will continue to investigate and are talking with staff to determine why her purse was in there," she said.

Staff at Regency Park Assisted Living declined to comment yesterday.

There was no fire or smoke damages to the assisted living building.

"It basically aired right out," Capt. McFarland said.