An elderly Carbon County woman died in a fire that destroyed her home Wednesday just outside of Palmerton.

State police at Lehighton identified the victim as Conchita Perschy, 81, of 335 Gap Road, Lower Towamensing Township.Troopers said the victim was found inside the home by firefighters as they were extinguishing the fire. She lived alone, troopers added.Bill George, fire chief, Aquashicola Volunteer Fire Company, said the fire was fully involved when firefighters responded to the scene after 8 p.m."Nothing to really do to save the house. We tried to get in," George said. "We did go in because we knew the lady was trapped. It’s too far from any water source, no access for any equipment."George added, "We made a great effort with the circumstances. They made their best effort."He said firefighters remained on scene until 2 a.m.George said also assisting at the scene were Palmerton Ambulance, Palmerton Fire Department, Bowmanstown Fire Department, Walnutport Fire Department, Parryville Fire Department, and Franklin Township Fire Department.A state police fire marshal unit was activated and is assisting in determining the cause of the blaze.The investigation is continuing according to trooper Tristan Bennett, the investigating officer.

Den McLaughlin contributed to this report.