1 injured as eastside couple escapes burning home

INDIANAPOLIS(WISH) - An  Indianapolis woman suffered second degree burns as she and her husband escaped their burning home on the east side early Monday morning.

Catherine Royalty awoke to a strong burning smell and went to investigate its source.

She first checked her kitchen and then looked outside to find the attached garage engulfed in flames.

After Mr. and Mrs. Royalty fled their home, they immediately called 911.

Firefighters arrived at the residence at 2223 Brookside Parkway South Drive to find the garage fully involved with fire and the the rear of the house on fire as well.

17 fire units were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters made an aggressive attack on the flames and brought the blaze under control within 45 minutes.

Catherine Royalty suffered second degree burns to both her feet and was transported to Wishard Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.

The family dog escaped the fire along with the couple.  Their cat, however, has not yet been located.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.  Damage is estimated at $75,000.

Elvin and Catherine Royalty have lived in their home for 38 years.