SYRACUSE - An elderly woman was injured Monday evening when a kerosene heater she was filling ignited and the fire spread throughout the home, resulting in a total loss.

Elsie Modglin, 79, of 11743 N. Elm Grove Drive, Syracuse, suffered burns to her left foot and ankle and smoke inhalation. She called for help from inside the burning home before exiting to safety, according to Syracuse Fire Chief Larry Hunter.

Crews at the scene wrapped Modglin's foot and administered oxygen to her, but she did not want to go to a hospital. However, Modglin's son later arrived from Columbia City, Hunter said, and he was planning on taking her to an area hospital.

A firefighter also was injured at the scene. William Mitchell was hit in the face with a hose coupling as the hoses were pulled from the truck. He was treated at Goshen General Hospital for a cut to his nose and later released.

Hunter said the department was fortunate there weren't any other injuries because the house was on a hill and the snow that fell before the call and continued to fall while firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze made for slippery conditions. Cromwell Fire Department provided assistance at the scene.

Hunter said the fire began when Modglin was filling a kerosene heater in the living room of the house. The fuel spilled and ignited the heater, which Hunter speculates was still warm from prior use.

Hunter said anyone using kerosene heaters should heed manufacturers' warnings for safety procedures, including not filling the units inside and not filling them while they're hot.

Also, Hunter said, kerosene cans should be clearly marked and kept separate from gasoline storage. [[In-content Ad]]