Fire crews were called to an address in Common Side, Pelsall just before 0700 GMT on Wednesday.

A fire service spokesman said the blaze was confined to one room and was put out swiftly by firefighters, but the woman had already died.

Station commander Paul Thomason said fire investigation officers who were at the scene believed the woman may have been smoking in bed.

"There was a smoke detector which we believe was activated but, unfortunately, the woman could not get out of the house in time," he said.