Sapulpa fire victim saves child, dies with her spouse

By SHEILA STOGSDILL

Published: November 18, 2008

SAPULPA — A Creek County woman dashed back inside a burning mobile home and rescued her 3-year-old granddaughter, but then perished with her husband Monday.

Victim Rosetta Albright-Jastrzemski, 47, managed to push her granddaughter through a window, but she and her husband, Steve Jastrzemski, 49, died trying to escape, Sand Springs Deputy Fire Chief Tom Jenkins said. Havana Jastrzemski, 3, Stephen Jastrzemski, 11, and their mother, Julie Jastrzemski, 27, got out.

Survivors suffered minor injuries and smoke inhalation, said Jenkins, who added that the fire likely started about 3 a.m. due to a faulty power cord.

The home was in the 16800 block of W Nunley Avenue. With a lack of hydrants, it took about an hour to put out the fire, Jenkins said. It is unknown whether the home had a smoke detector, he said.

“We are working with the survivors to provide mental health assistance and will help with some of the funeral expenses,” said Nellie Kelly with the American Red Cross.

Contributing: The Associated Press