Sydney Mines, N.S. — An elderly Cape Breton woman was in hospital Saturday after a fire that investigators say may have been started by a Halloween prank.

It's believed fire crackers were being flung at the 89-year-old woman's home in Sydney Mines on Friday night before the building caught fire, ATV News reported.

The woman had been alone in the home, and rescue workers found her unconscious when they arrived.

"The smoke was so heavy,'' Sgt. Wayne MacDonald said Saturday as he stood outside the badly charred house.

"We found her laying (in) close proximity to the rear door.''

The woman was in serious condition Saturday, ATV reported.

"Her face is bloated,'' said Rev. Frank Guinta, the woman's pastor, who had visited her in hospital. "The skin on the forehead and on her cheeks seem to have been singed.''

Neighbours said the senior rarely left the home, making an exception Sundays to go to church.

One fire cracker was found on the home's front lawn, and another in the room where the blaze began.

Some residents said vandalism has become common in the community, making older people afraid for their safety.

Police said they planned to increase their presence in the area for Halloween night.

The investigation into the fire is continuing.