A 60-year-old woman attempted suicide by lighting herself on fire this morning. The call came in shortly after 11:00 AM when deputies responded along with the Forestville and Russian River Fire Departments to the 9300 block of Champs de Elysses in Forestville. A man called to report his 60-year-old girlfriend living at that location had attempted suicide by pouring gas on herself and lighting herself on fire.
By the time deputies and the fire crews arrived on scene the victim’s boyfriend had extinguished the fire using a garden hose. He stated the victim lit herself on fire at a neighbor’s house then ran across the street completely on fire stating she wanted to die. He was able to get the fire put out but unfortunately the woman suffered severe burns. She was ultimately transported by helicopter to the St. Francis Burn Center in San Francisco after Russian River Fire treated her and transported her to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.
While the crews were on scene treating the victim they saw smoke coming from where the woman lit herself on fire originally. Firefighters went across the street and were able to extinguish the fire that was mostly contained to the kitchen area. Unfortunately the neighbor’s home suffered significant fire and smoke damage. Firefighters estimated the damage to be about $100,000.
Prepared by: Sgt. Spencer Crum
CR 180426009
Media Inquiries: 707-565-3941
