Click the play button on the video window to the right to see the storyThe Phoenix Fire Department has launched an investigation after a woman was found dead inside her burned out home Monday afternoon.
Firefighters responded after a neighbor reported hearing a smoke alarm go off and saw smoke coming from the home.
Officials say heat from the flames was intense and firefighters were forced to retreat after the air conditioning unit caved in from the roof.
Fire crews then re-entered through another part of the house to put out the flames.
The 50-year-old woman lived alone. Officials say her body was found near a bedroom where the fire burned heaviest.
Two bull dogs were rescued from the yard, along with cages of snakes from one portion of the house.
No one else was injured and no surrounding homes were affected.
