Police responding to a burning clothing donation box in a parking lot in Glens Falls, New York, this week found a dead woman inside.

Glens Falls Police Department officers noticed the fire at about 2:21 a.m. Thursday, and the Glens Falls Fire Department came to the scene and put it out. 

Inside the box, they found Glens Falls resident Michelle McFarren, 43, deceased, city officials said. An autopsy determined she died because of the fire.

Investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire, including what caused it and why she was inside a clothing donation box, are ongoing.

Police received a pair of 911 calls from the area near the clothing donation box at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, but investigators do not know if they are connected to Ms. McFarren’s death, according to The Daily Gazette, a local newspaper.

Fire officials are asking anyone with information related to the fire or Ms. McFarren’s whereabouts from 2-9 p.m. on Wednesday to call 518-761-3840, extension 373.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.