Woman rescued from cigarette fire

A woman was rescued from her flat by fire crews last night following a blaze caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

Crews from Rochdale and Littleborough were called to the first floor flat of a three storey building on Great Howarth at 10.41pm.

They were met by the woman's upstairs neighbour who had called 999 after being woken by smoke alarms sounding.

Using a door ram to get into the flat, crews wearing breathing apparatus rescued the 41-year-old woman.

She was unconscious and was brought outside by crews before being given oxygen by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service trauma technicians.

The fire involved clothes left near a door.

Crew Manager Des Pritchard said: "The lady was extremely lucky.  Our Green Watch crews had been carrying out Home Safety Checks in the area only a couple of weeks ago.

"During the checks we always tell people to close their doors when they go to bed at night to contain any fire that might break out.

"Thankfully, this lady had heeded that advice and undoubtedly, it saved her life."

For a free Home Safety Check, which may include the fitting of smoke alarms, contact GMFRS on 0800 555 815.

Chairman of Greater Manchester Fire Authority David Acton said: "Smoke alarms and Home Safety Checks save lives.

"They are your first line of defence and buy you time. But when you stub out a cigarette, ask yourself whether it's really out? Cigarettes can so easily start accidental fires so make sure you have put it out properly."