Habersham County officials have released more details of a fatal house fire outside Cornelia Friday night.
Jean Sensoe, 79, was disabled and was unable to get out of the burning home on Lakeview Heights, according to Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black.
“There was a family member present when the fire originated but was unable to get the elderly victim out, who was located on the sofa in the den,” Black said.
Several pets also did not make it out.
A Demorest firefighter was taken to Habersham Medical Center for treatment of burns.
“During the attempt to extinguish the fire and locate the victim, the ceiling fell on top of the firefighter and he suffered burns to his wrist and back,” Black said. “Personnel were met with extremely hot fire conditions upon arrival of the first units.”
Black said the fire appears to have started in the kitchen area and is still under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.