Resident Injured in Early Morning Fire, Hospitalized in Dallas

TYLER — Tyler firefighters quickly extinguished a blaze Friday morning at 3321 Sandalwood Lane, but an occupant was injured and had to be taken to Dallas, according to information from the fire department. The initial call for help came in at 1:52 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire and smoke visible in the structure. Investigators have determined that the fire originated in the garage. They say an occupant noticed the smell of smoke and discovered that a container of hot grease had been left on the stove, causing smoke to travel throughout the house. While the occupant tried to carry the grease outside, it splashed and burned the victim. A flash fire occurred and the victim dropped the container, allowing the fire to spread. The victim was transferred to a Dallas hospital after being taken to a local hospital due to burns and smoke inhalation.

The garage suffered significant damage, with additional damage to at least two other rooms near the garage, according to the fire department. The blaze extended to the attic, but firefighters were able to stop the fire from progressing through the rest of the house. No further information was immediately available.