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A 79-year-old widow tried to use snow to fight a fire burning in her Orem home.
Firefighters were called to the home at 370 N. 985 West around 4:30 p.m. and when they arrived the house was fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters from three Orem fire stations responded, but it took nearly 45 minutes to get the fire under control.
The homeowner told firefighters she smelled smoke coming from the kitchen, but didn't have anything cooking or on the stove.
She actually tried to go back in and put the fire out with snow, but a contractor working nearby who saw the smoke, stopped her and got her safely away from the fire.
Firefighters poured a lot of water on the fire, which is now freezing.
They hope to get in tonight and try to find out what caused the fire. The house is a complete loss.
The victim is in the ambulance here, staying warm, she is in good condition, but some of her hair was singed because she got too close.
Family and friends have arrived to help her out.
E-mail: spenrod@ksl.com
