The house fire that occurred Saturday night in Jefferson Township is still under investigation, and the condition of the person injured in the fire — Martha Smith — is improving, according to officials.

There is no further update on Smith’s condition at this time, although many in the community have expressed concern. Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Andy Bivens said Smith is a very friendly person who worked as a local school bus driver for many years.

According to a report from the sheriff’s office, deputy Errol Ennis responded to the scene Saturday.

Ennis explains in the report, “upon my arrival the home was fully engulfed in flames. I spoke with the owner of the house, Martha Smith, who was in the back of the Fayette County EMS. Martha stated she was inside burning wood in her stove and failed to shut the door completely.

“Martha exited the fire under her own will and was found by the garage by the fire department. Martha was transported by MedFlight for smoke and burn injuries. The house was a total loss to the fire.”

The home was located at 5815 Upper Jamestown Road N.W. in Jeffersonville.

As previously reported, there were five fire departments that fought the blaze and several entities —Fayette County EMS, Box65, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and MedFlight — that provided assistance.

By the time responders arrived on scene, the house was fully engulfed in fire. Responders were on scene for over five hours into the early morning hours on Sunday.

Jefferson Township Fire Department Chief Aaron Hauer explained, “everyone that responded to the fire did a great job. All departments were well represented. I am extremely grateful and thankful for all the support that was given to us.”

One of the challenges of the scene was the weather.

Hauer wrote via email, “It’s always a little more challenging when it’s cold. When it’s in the 20’s and below, you worry about water freezing — not only on the structure but on your firefighters, the area that they are walking and working and on the pumps themselves and nozzles. The length of time we were on scene also takes a toll when you are dealing with cold weather.”

Stay with the Record-Herald for future updates on this situation as the investigation continues.

Reach journalist Jennifer Woods at 740-313-0355.