Firefighters from Stillwater Stations 1, 2 and 3 responded to a call reporting a house fire at 823 North Skyline Drive at 1:48 p.m. on Dec. 24. Truck 3, first on scene, reported a totally involved house with heavy smoke and flames showing. An interior attack was initiated after firefighters were informed no one was in the home.
The interior attack was terminated quickly when the ceiling began falling in and danger of roof collapse was noted. Personnel then were informed of the possibility existed that the homeowner might be inside. The homeowner was reportedly observed running into the home in an attempt to save some dogs.
Firefighters from Engine 1 immediately entered the structure from the north side and located the victim in a north room. She was handed out a window to the crew of Truck 3 and was rushed by SFD ambulance to Stillwater Medical Center where she was admitted to the ICU.
Fire crews experienced difficulty in controlling the fire due to large amounts of combustibles in the house and attic. The fire was extinguished after a two-hour battle.
The fire is being investigated by the Fire Marshal. No cause or damage estimate has been determined.