AN electric heater was the most likely cause of a fire at a remote Herefordshire property where an elderly woman died, an inquest heard.

Mollie Grabham, 95, was found dead at her bungalow by emergency services the morning after a blaze at the property in Orcop Hill on October 13 last year.

Pathologist Mark Hayes said he couldn't determine whether Mrs Grabham, who lived alone and divided her time between her Orcop Hill home and one in Little Birch, had died from natural causes or the effects of the fire.

In a report read out by county coroner Mark Bricknell, Station Commander Martin Lown said the origin of the fire is likely to have been in the lounge, in an area containing an electric heater, next to where Mrs Grabham was found.

He said her clothing may have come into contact with the heater with the fire most likely caused by "radiated heat", with the heater the most likely cause.

Neighbour Ronald Wood raised the alarm just before 11pm after smelling smoke.

"I was trying to look through the hedge to see if there were any flames," he told the hearing at Hereford Town Hall.

"Then I saw a glimmer of orangey light." He said he tried to get closer to the property but couldn't because of the heat.

Mr Bricknell said Mrs Grabham's medical cause of death was listed as "unascertained" because her body was consumed by fire.

He said she "probably" died as a result of the fire, but couldn't discount the possibility it was natural causes.

"Based on the lack of certainty, the only conclusion I can come to is an open one," said Mr Bricknell.