Orland Park Woman Dies after Rescued from Fire

ORLAND PARK, IL — An elderly woman died earlier this week, hours after being pulled from a fire at her Orland Park home.

Lenore Kraus Demma, 71, was pronounced dead Tuesday at 1:20 a.m. at Loyola University Medical Center, The Regional News reports. Demma was transported to Loyola's burn unit after being rescued Monday afternoon.

Demma called 911 at 3:30 p.m. Monday to report a fire at her home in the 15400 block of South Primrose Court, telling dispatchers that she was unable to get out. Crews arrived minutes later and removed her from danger, immediately beginning medical treatment just steps from the residence. She was then transported to Palos Hospital in critical condition with burns and smoke inhalation, and was later transferred to Loyola.

The fire was contained to one bedroom of the single-level home, and was extinguished with water from a nearby hydrant. A smoke detector inside the home was functional and sounding when crews arrived.

Two police officers who entered the home in search of Demma were also treated for smoke inhalation.

Demma's dog was found inside, pulled from the fire in good condition, and is being cared for neighbors, Orland Fire Protection District spokesman Ray Hanania said in a press release.

Demma, a 1963 graduate of Maria High School, had started an own online business selling home decor and other trinkets, according to her social media.

Services are set for Saturday, Feb. 4, leaving from Thornridge Funeral Home, 14318 S. LaGrange Road, to a Mass at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, 9300 W. 167th St., Orland Hills.