Woman dies in Athens house fire

ATHENS, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Athens Fire Department says a woman died in a house fire Sunday evening.

It happened on Woodward Avenue just after 6 p.m.

The City of Athens says when firefighters arrived on scene, heavy smoke was visible from the second floor of the home.

Fire officials say firefighters enter the home through a second floor exterior door to look for the female victim that was still inside.

According to the Fire Department, a male who lived in the first floor apartment told the fire captain on scene that there was a bed ridden female unable to walk in a back bedroom.

Fire officials also say the man told them he tried to rescue the woman, but was overcome with heat and smoke.

The Fire Department says while two fire fighters were attempting to rescue the woman, an explosion occurred inside the home shooting flames outside the doorway entrance and the opposite side windows, downing two firefighters.

The City of Athens says both firefighters were able to make it out of the home with minor injuries.

According to the Fire Department, the female victim was found deceased.

The Fire Department called in the state Bomb and Arson Unit to investigate. Officials say while the investigation is ongoing, the fire appears to be accidental in nature. The Athens Fire Department suspects the explosion to be linked to the use of medical oxygen by the occupant.