Woman Rescued From Washington Co. Fire

WASHINGTON (KDKA) - A Washington County woman had to be rescued this morning from her burning home.

According to officials at the scene, the fire started just before 6 a.m. in the 1000-block of Chestnut Street in Washington.

Peggy Roupe, 73, was watching television in her room when she smelled smoke.

It wasn't long before her cats smelled it too and began to stir.

Roupe, who uses a walker, made her way to the door.

That's where she was met by two men who carried her to safety.

It's not clear whether those men were police, paramedics or passersby, but it's likely they saved her life.

Firefighters say the fire started in the basement and a fire marshal is investigating a cause.

Roupe initially refused medical treatment, but her family planned to take her to the hospital today to be checked out for smoke inhalation.

Two of her six cats died in the fire.

Roupe will stay with a brother who lives nearby until she can return to her own home.

Most of the damage was contained to the basement, but the entire home sustained smoke damage.

Roupe's family is thankful to all those who helped her this morning.

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