An elderly woman is recovering from severe burns after barely escaping a raging house fire which destroyed her home.
The fire was reported about 3:45 p.m. on Sunday at 3974 Gamma Street in Southcrest.
“We saw the smoke, it was pretty high, we got scared actually,” neighbor George Liapis said.
“Like in the movies, the fire goes everywhere,” resident Catalina Vernal said.
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The owner, an elderly woman, tried to escape as flames raged through the 2-story home.
“I tried to see if I could do something for the lady who lives there but I couldn't, the fire was so hot,” neighbor Jose Morales said.
The woman managed to get to the backyard but sustained serious injuries.
“I see her in the cement on the back, burns all on her back," Vernal said
Firefighters worked to keep the flames from spreading and evacuated homes nearby.
“It is a hot day today and we do have a little wind that contributes to fire spread,” Battalion Chief John Fisher said.
Firefighters said the victim, who is in her late 80’s or early 90's, was taken to the UCSD Burn Center. She is being treated for 2nd and 3rd degree burns to her face, back, and hands, neighbors said.
