Woman rescued from house fire

Details

Thursday, 26 May 2011 16:23

New Cheltenham Road, Kingswood

A woman has been rescued from her flat by firefighters.

Crews were called to the property after a neighbour heard the smoke alarms activating and called 999.

They forced their way in and two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the premises where they found a woman in her 40s in bed. She was rescued by firefighters and taken to safety, where she was given oxygen therapy. She was then taken to hospital.

Firefighters tackled the fire using one high pressure hose reel. A positive pressure ventilation fan was then used to ventilate the flat.

It appears the fire started accidentally after the woman had been smoking in bed and fallen asleep. An ashtray had fallen on to the floor and caught light.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind people to take care when smoking, always fully extinguish smoking materials after use and avoid smoking in bed, as a cigarette can fall on to the bedding and catch fire.

Fortunately in this case the neighbour had heard the smoke alarm activating and called 999. Avon Fire & Rescue Service is highlighting the importance of working smoke alarms. They act as an early warning that a fire has broken out, giving occupants vital extra minutes to escape, especially at night.

Much of the smoke and fire damage was confined to the bedroom of the flat.