A woman living in an apartment on West 6th Street in Atlantic suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns to her hand and leg while trying to put out a fire this (Sunday) morning. Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees told KJAN News said they received word at around 9:45-a.m. there was a fire in an upstairs apartment at 304 W. 6th.

Upon arrival, crews found the victim, 42-year old Angela Jo Hillhouse, and a lot of smoke in the apartment, but the fire was out. During an investigation, McNees observed several candles burning in the apartment, and Hillhouse told officials a candle started the blaze, but the exact cause remains under investigation. For now, the cause is listed as accidental.

Hillhouse was transported by Medivac Ambulance to the Cass County Memorial Hospital, for treatment. Her 8-year old son was not injured. The apartment sustained some light smoke and carpet damage. The building houses four apartments, but none of those residences were damaged. The fire department ventilated the apartment and left the scene at around 10:25-a.m.