SALEM, Ore. --
Salem firefighters found an unconscious man on the floor of a burning home Wednesday morning.
A spokesman for the Salem Fire Department said crews took the man out of the home and rushed him to Salem Hospital. He has since been taken by a helicopter to the Oregon Burn Center.
Crews were first called to the house fire in the 1100 block of 14th Street at 3:37 a.m. When they arrived, they found flames emerging from the front and one side of the single-story home.
Fire officials said crews immediately began attacking the fire and started a search of the home for anyone inside. That is when they found the man, who officials described as elderly. His name is not known.
Investigators with the fire department said the fire started in the living room and was caused by an electrical short circuit in improvised wiring.
In all, 22 firefighters on six fire engines and a ladder truck responded to fight the fire.
No smoke alarm was found in the home. The fire spokesman said it's critical to have working smoke alarms on all floor levels and in each bedroom.
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