Tenn. Woman Severely Burned Trying to Save Pets from Fire

Nov. 20--CLINTON -- A 65-year-old woman who reportedly went into her burning house Wednesday afternoon in an effort to save her dog and cats sustained severe third-degree burns and was dragged from the residence by two Anderson County deputies.

Martha Bailey was transported by ambulance to the helicopter pad at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge, where she was then flown to University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

Bailey had been shopping with a friend, Adra Denton, and returned just after 3 p.m. to find her Ridge Lane residence on fire.

Bailey reportedly called 911 to report the fire, "and at some point, she decided to go in (the house)," Anderson County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Mark Lucas said.

Nine minutes after the first 911 call, Denton called to report that she saw her friend, with her clothes burned off, laying on the floor inside the residence.

Lucas said Deputy Wiley Maloney and reserve deputy Gene Rose arrived within a couple of minutes, went inside the burning residence and dragged Bailey from the residence with the help of a Marlow Volunteer Fire Department firefighter who just arrived.

The officers and firefighter covered her with a wet coat, according to the initial incident report. Denton was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Chris Roach, a friend of the family who lives in an efficiency apartment inside the residence, said Bailey's Boston terrier died in the blaze.

Authorities said the fire appeared to be accidental and was largely contained to the living room and foyer.

Roach said Bailey smoked, and a smoldering cigarette may have ignited the blaze. "We've tried to get her to quit smoking," he said.

Ridge Lane is off Orchard Knob Road off Highway 61 just outside Oak Ridge.

A total of about 15 members of the Marlow and Claxton volunteer fire departments and the Oak Ridge Fire Department responded.

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