Woman rescued from burning home dies

Summary

The home was fully engulfed when they arrived. Officials say a young boy and his aunt were home at the time. The aunt had to be rescued from the burning home and then given CPR.

Story Created: Nov 4, 2009 at 8:34 AM MST

Story Updated: Nov 5, 2009 at 4:39 PM MST

Woman rescued from burning home dies
BOISE - Officials with the Ada County Sheriff's office said Thursday that the woman rescued by two deputies from a burning home on Wednesday morning has died.

Andrea Deardon, spokesperson for the sheriff's office, said the woman has been identified as Esther H. Svalina, 82.

Firefighters were called to a second-alarm house fire on Missoula Way in Boise early Wednesday morning.When firefighters arrived, flames were already engulfing much of the garage and adjacent living space and a second alarm was soon called.


 Sgt. Joe Wright, left, and Deputy Carl Olson

Sgt. Patrick Calley with the Ada County Sheriff's office said Deputy Carl Olson and Sgt. Joe Wright went inside the burning house, located Svalina on the floor of the bedroom and pulled her out.

"Right away we learned that people were inside," Calley said.

Firefighters immediately took over performing CPR on the woman, who were able to resuscitate her.

The woman and her nephew were taken to the hospital. The woman is in critical condition according to officials. The Ada County deputy was also taken to the hospital due to smoke inhalation but was released at about 9:30 a.m. The sergeant did not need to be hospitalized.

Neighbor Wes Bender was the first to call 911. He said he too tried to get inside the home and find the woman but was unable to locate her due to the smoke and darkness.

"We broke back the window trying to get inside," Bender said. The cause remains under investigation.

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