A Columbus woman escaped a house fire Saturday afternoon with minor injuries. The Columbus Fire Department (CFD) is crediting a working smoke detector with possibly saving the woman’s life.

CFD Spokesman Capt. Mike Wilson says the fire happened late Saturday morning inside of a home in the Wehmeier Addition. At 11:47 a.m., Wilson says firefighters were called to 701 Glendale Dr. for a reported structure fire. As firefighters arrived on the scene, they reportedly found the sole occupant of the residence, a 73-year-old woman, inside the home of a neighbor.

The woman reportedly told firefighters she had turned on her gas oven, then walked to another room in the home. A few minutes later, the she reportedly told investigators that she could hear a smoke alarm sounding inside the home. When she returned to the kitchen, the resident reportedly found the oven on fire, with flames burning up to the ceiling. The woman told investigators that she escaped through a rear door located near the kitchen as debris began to fall on her. Neighbors then reportedly called 911.

Wilson says that the woman sustained minor burns. He adds that she declined to be transported to the hospital. Wilson adds that fire Investigators have ruled the cause of the blaze “accidental.” Damages are estimated at $45,000. The Red Cross was called to assist the woman, who was renting the home.