By Gina Yarbrough
La Mesa, CA–The San Diego Sheriff’s Department is investigating a deadly residential fire that killed an elderly woman and injured her granddaughter Saturday afternoon in the unincorporated area of La Mesa.
The Sheriff’s Department received calls around 12:15 p.m. of a fire in the 9100 block of Lavell Street. When deputies arrived at the location they saw the house on fire. They also found a woman who was able to get out of the home. Deputies made entry into the home, and attempted to locate an elderly woman upstairs but were pushed back by smoke and flames, Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Anthony Portillo stated in a news release.
Fire crews arrived and located the elderly woman upstairs. She died of her injuries on the scene. The victim’s granddaughter was treated at the scene and released. No deputies or firefighters were injured.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will identify the victim, as well as determine the cause and manner of death once her family has been notified.
Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson detectives will determine the origin and cause of the fire. The investigation is ongoing.