CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY —Three heroes are being recognized for saving a Kansas woman from a fire in Chautauqua County.
Just after 3p.m. Friday, law enforcement and fire crews responded to a fire at a home on 416 W. Main Street in Sedan, according to Police Chief Kirk Richardson.
First responders observed heavy smoke billowing from the doors and windows of the home.
A bystander advised responding units that the elderly resident was still inside and trapped. The immense amount of heavy smoke prevented entry by personnel into the front door to attempt to reach her.
The bystander then stated they believed the woman was trapped in a bedroom located in the southwest corner of the residence. The bedroom window was promptly broken out and the woman was discovered on the floor near the window.
Firefighters pulled her through the opening and carried her to safety. Once at a safe distance, she was quickly assessed and was discovered to be conscious and breathing.
Once on scene, fire crews deployed assets to battle the blaze in the frigid cold temperatures. While crews worked to contain the fire, EMS units arrived and transported the woman to the Sedan City Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation where she remains in stable condition.
The fire was so intense and spread so quickly, the home could not be saved and is a total loss.
While one dog and one cat were rescued from the inferno, seven dogs and two cats trapped inside perished.
Sedan Police Chief, Kirk Richardson and Sedan City Fire Chief, Shawn Butler thanked the City of Sedan Department of Public Works for their assistance throughout this emergency. "Without their efforts, other lives and nearby structures could have also been lost."
Additionally, the chief recognized Elroy Smith, Rodney Shaw and Garrett Green for their heroic acts during the rescue of the woman.
"Without their selfless acts of bravery during a very chaotic scene, she would have certainly perished. Thank you gentlemen, you are true heroes and undeniable assets to this community." Authorities have not released details on what caused the fire.