Firefighters late Monday rescued an elderly woman who was overcome by smoke when she tried to rescue her pets from a house fire, authorities said.
Crews responded to 710 North Country Club Drive around 11 p.m. and found heavy smoke coming from the single-family home. A woman who lived there had escaped unharmed, but went back into the home to get her pets, Citrus County sheriff's duties learned
A firefighter found the woman in the living room and brought her back outside, where she was treated by emergency medical services personnel.
Crews then re-entered the home and found no one else inside. They were able to rescue three dogs and a bird.
The fire was isolated to a bedroom, and with an aggressive attack, it did not extend to the rest of the house, firefighters said.
Investigators said the fire may have been caused by a lit cigarette in the bedroom and estimated damages at $30,000. Units from Crystal River, Homosassa, DeRosa and Pine Ridge assisted with the response.