Woman, 80, dies in LaGrange house fire; 5 animals also killed

An 80-year-old woman died Monday night in a house fire in west Georgia, authorities said.

Gladys Shelton was pronounced dead at the scene, which was in the 1000 block of Dunson Street in LaGrange, Lt. Christopher Taylor of the fire department said.

Shelton’s 81-year-old husband was taken to a hospital by family members after he was overcome by smoke, Taylor said. His condition is not known.

Three dogs, a cat and a bird also died in the fire, which was reported to firefighters shortly before 10:30 p.m.

Crews found Shelton’s body soon after they arrived, Taylor said, and the fire was under control about 11 p.m. Firefighters found the dead animals in different parts of the house.

“Firefighters encountered intense heat and heavy smoke conditions inside the structure,” Taylor said.

The house sustained extensive damage, Taylor said. Two firefighters were treated and released at a local hospital.

Police and fire officials are investigating the cause of the blaze.

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