Firemen save life of woman

Quick action by the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department and Associated Ambulance Authority saved the life of a Clarendon woman Sunday when a fire broke out in her home.

Fire Chief Jeremy Powell said his department was dispatched at 12:48 p.m. with a report of smoke coming from the home at 522 S. Jefferson Street. Volunteer firemen were on the scene in four minutes, donned SCBA gear, and entered the smoke-filled house. By 12:58, homeowner Sue Hardy was extracted from the burning structure, and firemen began administering CPR in the front yard until EMS took over.

As treatment continued, Hardy was taken by ambulance to the landing zone at Associated Ambulance Authority and then life-flighted to Lubbock.

A friend of Hardy said Tuesday afternoon that she remains hospitalized in Lubbock and is being treated for burns to the hands and face as well as smoke inhalation and pneumonia but that she is alert and responsive.

Firemen worked until 2:00 p.m. to get the house fire under control Sunday. Powell said he and the state fire marshal’s office investigated the home Monday and ruled the fire accidental. The cause could not be determined with certainty, but Powell said it’s possible the origin was a faulty kitchen appliance.

Eighteen CFVD firemen responded with six trucks, and Hedley volunteer firemen came to help as well before being called off to a two-vehicle accident east of Giles, in which no one was seriously injured.