A woman in her 40s died late Wednesday, shortly after fire broke out in her first-floor apartment in the Commodore Perry projects, fire officials said.

The fire, linked to careless smoking, broke out about 10:30 p.m. at 391 Perry St., officials said.

"The fire was confined to the living room and to her couch," said acting fire Division Chief Walter Coakley, who noted firefighters found the victim near the door. The woman, reportedly legally blind, was pronounced dead at the scene.

One firefighter from Engine 3 was taken to the Erie County Medical Center with apparent shoulder injuries.