A Middletown mother of three is now recovering after part of her house caught on fire while cooking. Officials say the mother suffered second-degree burns after rushing her children outside to safety. Reporter Jessica Chen has the story.
CIRCLEVILLE, N.Y. -- Emotions are still heavy for Damarys Santelises as she helps her brother pick up what's left of his burnt house.
She said her sister-in-law was cooking in the garage area when it caught on fire.
"Everything burned, the kids clothes, their pictures, everything has gone to waste, to the garbage," said Santelises.
Her brother, Rafael Santelises, said his wife rushed their three kids out of the house but ran back inside towards the fire.
He said that's where she suffered second-degree burns to her legs.
"They all got out and her son told her not to go back in and she decided to go back in; I have no idea why, but she got injured pretty bad," said Santelises.
Firefighters said the house fire in Middletown was likely caused from a fryer Santelises was cooking with.
"It could end up like this if it was an actual grease fire, fire investigators are looking into it," said Circleville Fire District Chief Ronald Rollings.
And just hours after the flames were put out, their family is now helping to salvage what's left.
They said none of the kids were hurt, but Santelises is now at the Lehigh Valley Hospital getting treated for her burns. She's expected to survive.