A woman was critically injured and her pet dog died in a house fire reported Tuesday afternoon in the 3200 block of South Main Street.
The Blackhawk Fire Department was dispatched about 4 p.m. and arrived to find the entire first floor of the 11/2 story house in flames.
The woman, an occupant of the home, was already outside the burning structure when firefighters arrived, said Blackhawk Fire Chief John Trail.
“She suffered burns and was transported to a local hospital in critical condition,” he said.
As many as 15 area fire departments provided mutual aid.
“Because of the early brutal cold, we increased our (manpower),” Trail said.
During the fire, the roof of the house collapsed. Earth moving equipment was later brought to the scene to tear down an exterior wall as firefighters continued to douse hot spots as late as 9 p.m.