West Hills Woman Burned in House Fire Is Hospitalized

A 31-year-old woman was listed in stable condition Monday after suffering serious burns to both hands during a suspected arson at a West Hills home, authorities said.

Deborah Lanious was taken to Humana Hospital-West Hills in Canoga Park following the fire, which occurred shortly before noon at a single-story house in the 7500 block of Woodlake Avenue, Fire Department spokesman Jim Wells said. Lanious underwent treatment for second- and third-degree burns on both hands, hospital spokesman Greg Potenza said.

She was transferred to the burn unit at County-USC Medical Center, he said.

Lanious and a 3-year-old boy, who was unharmed, were the only occupants at the time, Wells said. It was not immediately known if they are related.

It took 20 firefighters less than 15 minutes to extinguish the blaze, Wells said, adding that damage to the house was estimated at $33,000.

Authorities would not disclose specific information as to why arson is suspected.