Ypsilanti fire officials have been unable to pinpoint the cause of a fire that killed an 81-year-old woman on May 12, but said today that the blaze started near the microwave and has been ruled an accident.

Fire Chief Jon Ichesco said because of the extent of the damage to the kitchen of the home at 405 Ainsworth Circle, investigators could not conclusively say that it was a microwave fire.

Almease Pope died in the blaze that started shortly after noon May 12, despite attempts by neighbors, police officers and firefighters to rescue her.

Pope died of smoke and soot inhalation, according to information obtained from the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner's Office under the Freedom of Information Act.

The fire destroyed the home that was valued at an estimated $80,000, officials said.