Woman dies after leaping from top-floor window as house gutted by fire

A WOMAN has died after a fire at her home in the Capital.

• Firefighters examine the damaged property after the 'severe' blaze

The 35-year-old who suffered horrific burns, leapt around 15 feet from the top window of the mid-terraced property on Fernieside Avenue to escape the flames in the early hours of this morning.

A man, aged around 40, also managed to escape the blaze before firefighters arrived. He suffered serious smoke inhalation and is in a serious condition.

At the height of the fire, 32 firefighters and officers attended, as well as eight fire appliances.

Residents in six neighbouring properties were forced to leave their homes, including Lynn Jameson and her teenage daughter.

The 43-year-old said: "I heard shouting so I got up and I could smell smoke. I came to the door as the fire brigade arrived and we were asked to empty the house. I panicked. My daughter's traumatised."

Mary Myers, 55, who also lives on the street, added: "I woke up at 2.30am when I heard one of the neighbours trying to kick the door in.

"The house was well alight and the woman jumped out the back window.

"When I saw the flames, I panicked. All the neighbours on that side of the road were evacuated and we took about eight of them in, including kids."

The top window of the property was blown out by the fire, which broke out just before 3am.

A spokesperson for Lothian and Borders fire and Rescue Service said: "One female had jumped from the property prior to our arrival and a man, aged 40 years, had been assisted to safety by neighbours. Both casualties were taken to hospital by ambulance and were reported to be in a serious condition. Sadly the woman later died from her injuries.

"This was a severe fire with extremely hot conditions for firefighters. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire using eight firefighters in breathing apparatus a line of hose, a hose reel jet and a short extension ladder.

"The Fire Service evacuated surrounding properties and checked for fire spread and to ensure no-one else was inside the property. Residents are expected to be allowed to return to their homes later today. Fire investigations continue at the scene."

A police spokesman said: "Lothian and Borders Police are currently working alongside colleagues at the fire service to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

"Anyone with information that can assist with our enquiries is asked to contact police immediately."