Authorities are investigating the circumstances after a woman died when a vehicle filled with smoke due to what’s believed to be an accidental fire last week in Santa Maria.

Shortly after noon Friday, Santa Maria firefighters and police officers were dispatched to the 300 block of West Orange Street. 

The fire began inside a minivan, which filled with smoke, Fire Inspector John Mata said.  The blaze did not engulf the vehicle, Mata added.

Emergency personnel pulled an occupant out of the vehicle to try to administer life-saving aid, he said, but the person was declared deceased.

Investigators suspect a heating device with an open flame tipped over and ignited the fire inside the vehicle with the windows closed.  

Law enforcement officers were investigating whether the incident involved the use of drugs.

On Tuesday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office released the name of the victim as Sherree Dominguez, 46, of Santa Maria.

Members of the Coroner’s Bureau will determine the cause and manner of death in the coming weeks.