A Normal Heights woman who earned international recognition for writing cookbooks was killed in a house fire Sunday.
Jennifer Brennan-Sparks, 74, died when fire broke out in the second story of a duplex on 36th Street just before 2 a.m. officials said.
"She was a published author, travelled all over world. She had a colorful background," said Jack Sparks, the victim's brother-in-law.
Brennan-Sparks, a widow, lived alone in the back of the duplex. The people living in the front of the duplex escaped without injury.
Multiple people called 911 reporting the blaze located at the rear of the property, officials said.
San Diego police reported that an officer was also injured during the fire. The extent of the officer’s injuries was not immediately known and an autopsy has yet to be scheduled for the female victim.
The main fire was knocked down in seven minutes and the Red Cross was called in to assist two displaced families.
Local
Brennan Sparks gained international fame from her cookbooks "The Original Thai Cookbook" and "Cuisines of Asia." Her book "Curries and Bugles" won the 1990 Best Book in Literary Food Writing by the International Association of Culinary Professionals.
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