Salina Journal – December 31, 2013
Submitted by Newz Group Clipping Service – January 4, 2014
A 21-year-old Salina woman was in critical condition in a Wichita hospital Monday after she inhaled smoke and soot from a small fire on a mattress in a multi-family duplex.
Capt. Mike Sweeney of the Salina Police Department said a residential fire was reported to emergency dispatch at about 8:30 p.m. Sunday. He said officers who arrived at 1416 E. Beloit had received information that a woman was still inside and was having trouble breathing.
He said officers forced open a door and went through the apartment looking for occupants.
When they opened a closed bedroom door, they found the room filled with smoke and Morgan Zelenka leaning against a wall.
Sweeney said a small fire was burning on the mattress of the bed.
Zelenka was taken to Salina Regional Health Center and then transferred to Via Christi Hospital on St. Francis.
Troy Long, investigator for the Salina Fire Department, said only 20 gallons of water were needed to douse the fire. Damage to the structure was minimal, and minor smoke damage was caused throughout the duplex.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, Long said.
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