Toronto firefighters found the body of an elderly homeowner under the wreckage of a collapsed home in the east end.

The woman likely died from smoke inhalation, Toronto Fire Division Commander Andrew Kostiuk said Friday afternoon.

Firefighters were called to the home at 282 Withrow Ave. at approximately 4 a.m. on Friday when neighbours noticed the fire.

Residents of the area, near Pape and Riverdale Avenues, told officials they believed an elderly woman who lived in the house was still inside.

The flames quickly spread through the home, causing the second floor to collapse. It also spread to the homes on either side.

At the height of the fire, there were 17 trucks and 65 firefighters on scene.

All hotspots were extinguished by noon, and firefighters began sifting through debris left behind. At approximately 2 p.m., they located the body of the woman who lived in the house.

The 81-year-old woman, who has not been identified, was found in a bed on the ground floor, Kostiuk said.

She was not immediately found because the second floor had collapsed during the fire.

The Ontario Fire Marshal's Office has been called to inspect extensive damage done to the house that caught fire, and neighbouring residences.

At this point, Toronto Fire Capt. Adrian Ratushniak said the cause of the blaze does not appear suspicious.