Elderly Woman Killed In Santee House Fire

SANTEE, CA — An elderly woman died after a fire ripped through her home over the weekend in San Diego's East County, authorities said.

The blaze sparked around 2 p.m. Sunday at a house in the 10000 block of Ashdale Lane in Santee, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. A neighbor reported flames and dark smoke coming from the home, sheriff's Detective Dan Wilson said.

When deputies and firefighters arrived, a resident standing outside told them that his 80-year-old wife was still inside their home. Firefighters went into the home, rescued the woman and administered CPR. She was taken to a hospital, where she died, Wilson said.

"The woman sustained burns across her body, as well as smoke inhalation," Wilson told Patch. "The husband was not injured."

Investigators determined the fire started in the garage.

"It is undetermined as to what exactly started the fire in the garage," Wilson said.

"The cause of the fire is still under investigation," he said. "However, the fire does not appear to be suspicious."