Pensioner dies in Newhey house fire

A pensioner died in a house fire in Newhey this morning (10 September).

A 73-year old woman died in the blaze at a house on Sycamore Avenue at around 9.30am. Fire crews from Rochdale and Littleborough fought the fire but the woman, who was in an upstairs bedroom, had already died before they arrived.

The fire started in the bedroom, which was badly smoked damaged. A closed door confined the fire to the bedroom, though there was some smoke damage to the landing.

The Fire and Rescue Service says that early indications are that the most probable cause of the fire was smoking materials, but specialist fire investigators are currently working to rule out any other possible causes.

The alarm was raised by a carer visiting the house, which was fitted with a working smoke alarm which had activated but had not been heard by neighbours or passers by.

Fire crews will be carrying out Home Fire Risk Assessments in the local area to reassure residents and offer vital safety advice.

Anyone wishing to have a free Fire Safety Check should contact 0800 555 815.