Woman burned in central Modesto house fire

A fire broke out at a home in Modesto’s college neighborhood Wednesday night, sending a woman to the hospital with major burns, authorities said.

According to the Modesto Fire Department, firefighters were called to the home on Columbia Way near Harvard Avenue about 9:50 p.m. A neighbor saw the fire and called it in, said Jessica Smart, spokeswoman for the Fire Department.

When firefighters arrived, they found the garage fully engulfed in flames, with fire in the house as well.

The woman, who is believed to live alone in the house, had gotten out by the time firefighters arrived, Smart said. She suffered first- to third-degree burns over 35 percent to 40 percent of her body.

Clutter inside the house made entry difficult, and flammable liquids stored inside helped spread the fire.

Crews initially tried to fight the fire from inside but retreated into defensive mode outside. Firefighters called a second alarm to help protect another home that became exposed.

One person was detained at the scene but later released, authorities said. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Authorities estimated damage at $180,000 to the home and $20,000 to the neighboring house.

This story was originally published January 29, 2015 at 6:29 AM with the headline "Woman burned in central Modesto house fire."