The woman was helped from a second-story window by two Gwinnett County police officers who were on routine patrol at the time of the fire, around 4:30, on Riverside Drive.
Fire department spokesman Thomas Rutledge said the officer saw the woman at an upstairs window and found a ladder next to the house. They extended it up to the window and she was able to make her way to the ground.
"She is very fortunate that ladder was where it was and they were able to use it to bring her out of the house safely."
The basement was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.
The woman was the only person in the house and was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center with minor injuries.
Rutledge says this is an example of the importance of fire safety and prevention in the home. "Having chain collapsible fire escape ladders in bedrooms on the second floor is so important."
The fire is still under investigation. The house is a total loss.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2006/4/112195