An East Tampa mother died late Friday and her son was injured during a house fire. She was 81-years-old.

According to police, firefighters received a call of a fire at 2922 E. 21st Avenue, around 10:20 p. m. Upon arriving at the scene, they found a 58-year-old man was lying in the front yard.

Firefighters learned that neighbors Jerry Haymon, 50, and 55-year-old Van Bryant had dragged Gregory Polite from the burning structure. Polite, 58, was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he was admitted to the Burn Unit in serious condition.

Police said it took firefighters nearly 25 minutes to get the blaze under control.

Police said Polite was injured trying to rescue his mother, Mrs. Gloria Smith, 81, from the home. He was unable to reach her because the fire was too intense. Mrs. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mrs. Smith’s daughter, Gail Davis, said her mother had lived in the house for 59 years. “My mother retired more than 20 years ago, and had recently experienced some progressive health issues. In spite of that, she loved to travel, and we all went by the house to check on her every day.

“What happened that day is she was washing clothes in a machine on the back porch. After putting the clothes in the washer, she sat down on a couch in the living room area of an attached smaller house behind the main house. She lit a cigarette and apparently fell asleep. She was awakened later by smoke and tried reaching the door, and couldn’t get to it. She backed up into the bathroom and tried opening a window, but couldn’t do it. That’s where they found her.”

Ms. Davis said although her brother, Mr. Polite, sustained serious burns to his back and side, she considers him a hero for his efforts.

“He went to rescue her, opened the door and was met by flames. He turned away and heard a roar, and the next thing he knew, the flames were on his back. We’re happy that he’s alert now and talking, but he still has a long way to go.”

In addition to Mrs. Smith, Polite’s wife, Mrs. Delicia Polite, 39, and stepson, Larry Bell, 8, were also in the home. Neither of them were injured.

The wooden house, which was built in 1925, was completely destroyed.

Funeral services for Mrs. Smith were incomplete as of press time. Wilson’s Funeral Home is in charge of handling arrangements.