REIDSVILLE, N.C. (rbs new snow) — A welfare check in Reidsville led to the discovery of a deceased woman and a smoldering fire inside a residence on July 9.

The Reidsville Fire Department was dispatched to the 300 block of Mulberry Street to assist with a welfare check.

Upon arrival, they found Reidsville Police officers already on scene.

Officers said they forced entry into the home and discovered 63-year-old Tanya Joyce deceased, with a smoldering fire active in a bedroom.

Fire personnel upgraded the call to a residential structure fire, and the remaining flames were quickly extinguished.

The Rockingham County Arson Task Force responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities say there is currently no indication that the fire was criminal or suspicious in nature.

Reidsville Fire Chief Josh Farmer thanked the Rockingham County Task Force, the North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for their assistance.

Further details, including the cause of death, have not been released.

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