Woman who died in Christmas fire has been identified

The woman who died in a fire on Christmas Day has been identified.

Shirley M. Green, 73, Portland, was found dead in her home at Oakwood Manufactured Home Community. Jay County Coroner’s Office received DNA results Tuesday from Indiana State Police Laboratory confirming Green’s identity, according to a press release.

Portland Fire Department responded about 4:40 a.m. Dec. 25 to a fire at 1237 N. U.S. 27 Lot 13, Portland. The structure was completely engulfed in flames when responders arrived.

Firefighters entered the burning building to fight the fire from inside, according to a release from Portland Fire Department.

A woman later identified as Green was found dead in the main living area of the structure. Her home was destroyed in the fire. Because of the conditions of the structure and Green’s remains, her identification couldn’t be determined at that time, according to the press release from the coroner’s office.

An autopsy was conducted Dec. 30 at IU Health Jay, with DNA taken from Green’s remains and sent to Indiana State Police Laboratory.

The cause of her death is pending — officials are waiting to receive a toxicology report from the state — but no foul play is suspected, according to Jay County Coroner’s Office deputy Michael Brewster.

Fifteen Portland firefighters arrived on scene Christmas Day with three fire trucks. Bryant Volunteer Fire Department also responded, along with Jay County Sheriff’s Office, Jay Emergency Medical Service, Jay County Coroner’s Office and Portland police Department. Representatives from Indiana State Fire Marshal's Office and Indiana Department of Homeland Security also arrived later that morning.Emergency personnel stayed on scene for nearly five hours Dec. 25.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.