Elderly Woman Found Dead, Good Samaritan Burned Trying to Save Her, During Friday Morning House Fire

[Updated Saturday, November 26, 2016 | 12:18 p.m.]  An elderly woman was found dead in the burned shell of her home and a Good Samaritan neighbor who tried to save her suffered injuries during an 8 am Friday morning house fire in West Pasadena.

Describing the firefight as a “struggle,” Pasadena Fire Dept. spokesperson Lisa Derderian said it firefighters almost 45 minutes to knock down the blaze in the two-story home in the 300 block of Redwood Drive.

Derderian said a man in his 40’s attempted to rescue the woman, whom neighbors said could be heard yelling for helping. The man suffered minor burns and declined to be transported to a hospital for treatment, she said.

Firefighters found the woman’s body as they fought the blaze, she said.

“This is especially tragic, coming on the day after Thanksgiving,” Derdeian commented.

“We are thankful for the brave gentleman who did all he could to rescue his neighbor,” Pasadena Fire Chief Bertral Washington said Saturday. “Firefighters were able to quickly adjust to the change in the nature of the call, prevent the fire from spreading in this red flag area, and navigate the rugged terrain of the hillside.  Very tragic fire for the affected family and our personnel who tried so hard to save her.”

The name of the deceased woman was not immediately disclosed, pending notification of family.

Saturday morning, the Pasadena Fire Department released a statement in which it identified multiple potential causes, including “overloaded wiring, excessive use of extension cords and power strips, a portable heater, electric blanket, candles and smoking materials in the room of origin.”

“Due to potential failures of so many items, the cause has yet to be determined. The fire is still under investigation,” the statement said.

A damage estimate was not completed as of this writing. However, Derderian described the house as significantly damaged.