It happened at a structure near Mayor Avenue and Mariposa Street which officials say the 58-year-old woman was using as a residence.
The woman told fire crews she had emptied an ashtray into a trash can before the flames broke out. She then tried to put the flames out herself -- severely burning her right hand.
Fire officials say if a smoke detector was in the building it could have prevented the amount of damage caused by the fire.
The occupant of the home is now getting treatment in the hospital for those burns.
Fire crews are still on scene determining the exact cause of the fire.