Mom, Daughter Die In Battle Creek House Fire

BATTLE CREEK (AP) - Two women who died in a house fire in Battle Creek have been identified as an elderly mother and her 63-year-old daughter.

Eighty-five-year-old Dorothy Cantrell was an active member of her Baptist church, while Dian Cantrell was a former Battle Creek police officer. Firefighters struggled with the blaze early Friday because of fire, thick smoke and an unstable floor.

All were frustrated by their inability to reach the women. The Battle Creek Enquirer says a cause wasn't immediately known.

Dian Cantrell was a full-time caregiver for her mother after nine years as a police officer and other jobs.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.