The home on Noyes Boulevard that was damaged by fire Monday morning belonged to the widow of Lt. Col. Franklin Flesher, the founder of St Joseph’s National Military Heritage Museum.

Mrs Judi Flesher was able to get out of the house okay, according to social media postings by friends.

Mrs Flesher was reportedly able to get a pet dog out of the okay, but a pet cat is receiving treatment by a local veterinarian.

Fire officials reported an electrical problem as the cause of the fire, which destroyed a living room on the northeast corner of the home. There is extensive smoke damage throughout the house.

A fire inspector at the scene said Mrs Flesher has found lodging with relatives.

The blaze was reported at about 7:30 am Monday at 816 Noyes. The boulevard was blocked off from Frederick to Mullberry until about 9am.

Lt. Col Flesher died in January of 2013, at age 80, after suffering a stroke.