A 54-year-old Flora man remains in critical condition at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis following a fire Sunday evening at his residence.

Steven R. Dixon, a resident in Apt. #1 at Sycamore Efficiencies on West Clem Street, was rushed to Wishard Burn Center by Carroll County EMS. He sustained second degree burns to roughly 20% of his body, as well as smoke and heat inhalation.

Flora Police Officer Josh Disinger and the apartment complex manager, Troy Baker, helped Dixon, who was trapped in his apartment, escape after breaking a front window.

Baker discovered the fire and called 911 at 7:09 p.m. Disinger, who was patrolling nearby, saw the fire about that same time. They immediately began evacuating the apartment complex. Dixon was trying to get out through the front window when Baker saw him.

Flora Volunteer Fire Department Chief Scott Sisson said the fire started in an area behind the front door.

The cause of the fire has been officially ruled undetermined, he said, and foul play had been ruled out.

"We know where it started, but just not why," said Sisson. "The fire remains under investigation."

"Dixon's apartment was destroyed, but we were able to keep the fire confined to that apartment," added Sisson. "We were fortunate that it did not reach the common attic."

The Flora VFD was able to extinguish the blaze quickly, containing the damage to the west end of the 20-unit complex. Two adjoining apartments received minor smoke and water damage.

Representatives from the Indiana State Fire Marshal's office responded to assist in the investigation. Also assisting were the Cutler VFD, Carroll County Sheriff's Office, and Carroll County EMS.

Because of Sunday's heavy precipitation, Dixon could not be transported to the hospital by air.