A 69-year-old Ridgway Township woman escaped her burning home early Wednesday morning. 

Chief John Wygant of the Ridgway Fire Department told 6 News that crews arrived on scene at a home along West Main Street shortly after 5 a.m. 

Upon arrival, the victim had made it out of the home. 

Wygant said the victim, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, woke up early because she was having difficulty breathing. 

"She got up and went downstairs and started to put her coffee on. She thought she heard some noises. She opened her back door a little bit, and the whole back porch was on fire," said Wygant. 

After being on scene for a short time, Wygant decided it would be best to call the fire marshal. 

Wygant said the fire marshal brought a dog to help sniff for an accelerant. 

Wygant said that the dog had a difficult time pinpointing where the fire started. 

After a few hours of investigating, a state police fire marshal ruled the fire an  arson. 

Wygant told 6 News that this is the first arson investigation the department has handled in three years. 

"I'm sure we all have some enemies someplace. I don't think anybody could ever be that made; that they would want to burn somebody out," said Wygant. 

Nearby neighbors can't believe someone would do something like this. 

"I feel so sorry, I could cry for her. I just want to see her, and I just want to hug her," said neighbor Mildred Johnson. 

Firefighters said the victim is lucky to have made it out alive. 

The home is a total loss. 

Wygant said the victim was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, but she is OK now. 

The victim is staying with family members. 

The fire marshal estimates the damage is around $100,000. 

Anyone with information on the arson is asked to call state police in Ridgway at 776-6136.