Submitted Photo by Ken Collins The Ripley Fire Department responded to 10759 Route 20 Monday morning for a report of a fire that did little damage to the structure, but left one person seriously injured.

RIPLEY — A fire on Route 20 in Ripley left a structure undamaged, but the same could not be said for the occupant of the building.

Ripley Fire Department was called to 10759 Route 20 at about 11 a.m. Monday morning, where the fire was quickly quelled and the working garage sustained no damage, but the injuries to Harry Hauser, 79, were significantly more severe.

The fire is currently under investigation by the Chautauqua County Fire Investigation team, but Ripley Fire Chief Mark Smith says there is currently nothing suspicious about the fire.

“The reason they’re investigating is because of the person that got burned, and how the burns occurred,” said Smith.

Hauser was taken to UPMC Hamot in Erie before being transported to the Pittsburgh Burn Center due to second- and third-degree burns over 70-80 percent of his body. Smith said the extent of Hauser’s injuries also play a part in the investigation.

“This is part of why it’s under investigation, whether it was a gas or propane explosion,” said Smith. “That’s why I can’t really say a whole lot, because not everything adds up.”

More information will be released as it becomes available.