A woman was able to escape Monday night as her historic Whitmire home burned to the ground.

Around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, Bonnie Lawson was awoken by the smoke alarm going off in her Lover's Lane home.

As she crawled from the two-story house, Lawson heard popping noises, according to Whitmire firefighter Michael Thomas.

Once outside the home, she dialed 911 from her cell phone. The call first went to Union County dispatchers before going to Laurens County and then to Newberry County where Whitmire firefighters were called out to respond.

Thomas said the Newberry/Laurens county line bisects Lovers Lane, and Lawson lived on the Laurens County side but the nearest Laurens County fire department is more than five miles away.

By the time Whitmire firefighters got on the scene the home was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters from Whitmire, Consolidated, Joanna and Reno responded, along with the Whitmire Rescue Squad.

The fire destroyed the two-story home that was built in the 1800s, and a vehicle.

Lawson's family had lived in the home since the 1960s.

Lawson was taken to Newberry County Memorial Hospital where she is being treated for smoke inhalation.

Thomas says he believes the fire could have been caused by an electrical problem.

Joanna Fire Chief and Laurens County Sheriff's Lt. Robert Plaxico said no foul play is suspected in the blaze and no investigation is being done in the fire.

Firefighters remained on the scene until 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Lawson was still in intensive care late Tuesday but her condition was improving.

A donation box has been set up at Thomas Grocery and Grill.

“She lost everything,” said Thomas, adding the only thing she escaped with were the nightclothes on her back.

To donate clothing or other items contact at Thomas at 924-6379. Lawson wears large pants and shirts.