Poway

A Poway woman died Monday morning after security bars slowed firefighters from entering her burning home, officials said.

Maria de los Angeles Meyers, 57, died after a fire apparently broke out near a couch in the front room of her home in the 13000 block of Standish Drive, coroner’s and sheriff’s officials said.

After five minutes of struggling with the bars, which covered every door and window of the home, firefighters found Meyers in a bathroom and carried her to the front yard, where attempts were made to revive her.

The fire caused an estimated $40,000 in damages. Authorities said the security bars probably made it difficult for the woman to escape.