Woman, 87, suffers burns in house fire

NICHOLVILLE — An elderly woman suffered second- and third-degree burns when a kerosene lamp fell over, sparking a fire that destroyed her home Wednesday night.

Bethel Snyder, 87, was using the kerosene lamp for light because of a power outage that occurred Wednesday afternoon. Hopkinton-Fort Jackson firefighters responded to the fire at about 10 p.m. at 91 River St., St. Lawrence County fire officials said.

"I noticed something bright in her house and just ran over," said Harold Snyder, her son. "I blew through her (locked) front door and saw flames behind her. Her pants were on fire, her sleeves were on fire and most of her back was on fire. She says she wasn't burnt and told me to get her dog and purse from the house."

He carried her out of the house and doused the flames on her with a shirt. Family members then called 911. The dog, a Chihuahua named Charlotte, did not survive the fire, he said.

The home, an 1890s era two-story structure that sits at the end of a cul-de-sac within view of a bridge over the St. Regis River, was not insured. No other injuries were reported.

Ms. Snyder was initially taken by Tri-Town Rescue to Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam, for treatment. She was later moved to the burn unit at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington, Vt.

She was listed in critical condition Thursday, hospital officials said. Family members said she was put into an induced coma to help doctors treat her burns.

National Grid spokesman Alberto Bianchetti said Thursday that a transformer failed at its Nicholville substation, affecting about 2,250 customers in the Nicholville, Hopkinton and Fort Jackson areas. The power outage lasted from about 5:10 to 10:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Hopkinton-Fort Jackson First Assistant Chief Richard Daby said it was difficult getting fire equipment to the scene because of the narrow road winding down to Ms. Snyder's home. A tanker truck brought water to the scene.

The fire was knocked down a few hours later, but rekindled about 4 a.m. Thursday, he said. A fuel tank attached to the home was removed by the family late Thursday morning as a precaution, should the home rekindle again.