Smoke alarm saved life of Aberdeen flat fire woman

A SMOKE alarm potentially saved the life of a woman trapped in a fire in her Aberdeen flat last night, it was revealed today.

Emergency workers have reiterated the importance of a working smoke alarm after the device is thought to have saved a woman's life in a fire. Picture: TSPL

She was rescued from the bedroom of her first floor flat by firefighters after a blaze broke out in the flat in St Clair Street by an incense stick which had been left burning.

A spokesman for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: “The woman, who was in her bedroom at the time, was alerted to a fire in her flat at around 8.18pm. She was able to call Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and control in Aberdeen spoke to her over the phone, providing her with advice and reassurance.”

Three appliances raced to the scene of the blaze from the stations at North Anderson Drive, the Central Fire Station and Altens.

The spokesman said: “Firefighters were quickly on the scene and removed the woman from the first floor of a three storey block of flats. She was suffering the effects of smoke inhalation and was given oxygen treatment by the crew. She was then placed in the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“The fire was extinguished by firefighters in breathing apparatus using one hose reel jet.”

Gordon Riddel, the Station Manager at North Anderson Drive, said: “There is no doubt that the presence of a working smoke alarm alerted this woman to the fact there was a fire outside her bedroom and potentially saved her life.

“This incident again highlights the importance of having a working smoke alarm and serves as a reminder that people check they are in full working order on a regular basis in the unlikely event of a fire.”

He added: “We understand the fire was caused by an incense stick which had been left burning and our advice would be similar to the advice we would give people in relation to candles. Do not leave them unattended and leave the room, always make sure they are extinguished properly, particularly if you are going to bed for the night. Never leave candles or anything which burns near paper or other combustible material.”