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NILES — A Niles woman was injured in a home fire Sunday, according to the Niles Fire Department.

Fire Chief Larry Lamb reported that units were dispatched to a home on Gettysburg drive at 2:23 p.m. Sunday. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found the home’s single occupant sitting outside with severe burns. The woman was immediately transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend by SMCAS ambulance. A medical helicopter was requested but was unable to fly due to weather.

The victim reportedly initially escaped the burning home, but chose to re-enter the structure in hopes of rescuing her pets.  At least two cats, birds and a dog perished in the fire.

Niles City and Niles Township firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in roughly 20 minutes, limiting fire damage to the room of origin. The remainder of the home experienced extensive smoke and water damage. Extensive smoke and water damage was suffered throughout the rest of the home.

As of Monday morning, the Niles Fire Department could not provide an update as to the victim’s condition.

The fire’s cause remains under investigation by Niles police and fire department investigators and remains undermined at this time.