Fire injures one, destroys Russellville home

By Staff
Melissa Cason
A 62-year-old Russellville woman was critically injured in a house fire late Monday evening.
Officials said Katie May Hale, of 18214 U.S. 43, was injured during a fire at her home about 6 p.m. Monday.
The Russellville Fire Department and the state fire marshal's office declared the cause of the fire as unknown.
Russellville Fire Marshall Bobby Malone said he and Deputy State Fire Marshall Jimmy Collier ruled it as unknown until more information can be collected from Hale.
"She was alone when the fire started so we have some questions we need to ask her about how the fire started," Malone said.
Hale was flown to UAB Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition Tuesday.
Approximately 30 to 50 percent of Hale's body was burned in the three-alarm fire.
"The house was fully involved when we got here, and Ms. Hale was already out of the house," Capt. Randy Seal said. "Her son pulled her out of the house. Had it not been for him, she wouldn't be alive."
Seal said the Russellville Fire Department dispatched to the fire around 6 p.m. Monday. The Littleville Fire Department as well as department volunteers and off-duty fulltime firefighters assisted the department.
The house is considered a total loss, and nothing could be salvaged from the structure.
The American Red Cross was contacted by the fire department to assist the family.