LENOIR COUNTY, N.C. -- An off-duty sheriff's deputy is in the hospital in Lenoir County after being severelu burned.     

Authorities say 22-year-old Ray Hart was hurt when a small outside fire at her home flared and caught her clothing on fire Monday morning.            

Hart was treated at the scene before being transported by helicopter to a nearby burn center.

In a statement, Sheriff Ronnie Ingram said, “Our Office is saddened by this injury to our friend, co-worker and member of our Law Enforcement family. Please join us in praying for her comfort and healing. She has been an asset to our office and her excitement for serving our citizens and children has shown each day since we hired her. We know she may have a long road to recovery, but we look forward to her healing and return."

At last report, it's was not known what was being burned or what caused the fire to get out of control.