Savanna woman on life support after fleeing fire

Feb. 16--SAVANNA -- A Savanna woman who jumped from a second-floor window to escape a fire that destroyed her home is on life support after suffering second- and third-degree burns over 45 percent of her body.

Sharon Irvine, 49, also injured her back in the fall Monday, said her sister-in-law, Denise Irvine-Carr.

"She was in the shower when the fire broke out," Irvine-Carr said.

Irvine is in critical condition at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.

She's on life support is because her lungs can't handle the buildup of fluids being pushed into her body to help with her burns, Irvine-Carr said.

No one else was injured in the fire, but the family's two dogs died.

Irvine's husband, Donald Irvine, 48, is staying with friends, while their 16-year-old daughter, Krystina, is staying with Irvine-Carr and another relative. Neither were home at 1712 Portland Ave. when the fire broke out around noon.

It started in the living room; the state fire marshal is investigating its cause, Savanna Fire Chief Sean Picolotti said.

Irvine has health insurance through her employer, Elkay in Savanna. Donald Irvine is diabetic, and has found insulin through his doctor, his sister said.

To help

Monetary donations for the Irvines can be made at Right Lane Motors, 1960 S. 21st St. in Clinton, Iowa, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Denise Irvine-Carr is organizing donations of goods and money for the family; call her at 815-499-8428 to donate or for more information.

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