A house fire in Penn Valley that killed a young female on New Year's Day isn't considered suspicious, and the victim's identity is expected to be released today, officials said Tuesday.

Investigator Ken Davidson of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said there were no signs of foul play at the fire at 16041 Indian Springs Road, east of Oak Ridge Road. The area of origin was within a 10-foot diameter in the living room that included a space heater and wood stove, he said.

The woodstove is 10 to 20 feet from a bedroom where the female's body was found.

The fire's cause might never be known because of the home's extensive damage, said Davidson. The 1,900-square-foot house was owned by Sharon Rose, according to the Nevada County Sheriff's Department.

In seeking a cause, Davidson said he's trying to find a female who was among the first to see the fire. She apparently stopped at the house and opened a couple doors and called to see if anyone was inside, then she left after rescuers arrived and took control of the situation.

Davidson said he had no description of the female, other than she was driving a gray or light-colored Dodge Caravan-type minivan. Anyone with information is urged to call the Penn Valley Fire Protection District at 432-2640.

Another passing motorist saw the fire and called 911 at 1:40 a.m., and firefighters arrived to find the house engulfed in flames. The victim's body was found as firefighters searched the charred debris.

Sheriff Keith Royal said the victim's body underwent an autopsy Tuesday.

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