Women Dies in Calif. Camper Fire

Nov. 10, 2013
After extinguishing the fire, Santa Cruz firefighters found the woman unconscious inside the vehicle.

Nov. 09--SANTA CRUZ -- A woman was found dead inside a camper that was on fire Friday afternoon parked on the 100 block of Franklin Street, Santa Cruz fire officials said.

Firefighters responded to a report of a vehicle fire about 4 p.m. and found a pickup outfitted with a camper parked on the side of the road, Battalion Chief Daniel Kline said. Smoke was seen coming out the windows and rear door. When firefighters opened the door, they found the interior ablaze.

After extinguishing the fire, firefighters found the woman unconscious inside the vehicle, Kline said. After removing her from the vehicle, officials assessed her and pronounced her dead on the scene. Battalion Chief Jason Hajduk said there were significant burns on 40 percent of her body. Hajduk declined to name the woman, pending completion of the investigation and notification of family. An autopsy will determine the cause of death.

While initial investigations point to the fire being accidental, Hajduk said they still investigating.

There were no other victims and no further injuries were reported.

Follow Sentinel reporter Calvin Men at Twitter.com/calvinmenatwork

Copyright 2013 - Santa Cruz Sentinel, Calif.

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