Derry firefighters rescue woman from house

Firefighters today rescued a woman from a burning house in Derry.

Firefighters today rescued a woman from a burning house in Derry.

Crews went to the property at Glendale in the Galliagh district after being alerted by a taxi driver who saw smoke coming from the building.

The woman, aged 27, was taken to hospital after being carried from her bed at around 7am.

A police officer who tried to enter the house before the Fire Brigade arrived needed treatment for smoke inhalation.

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Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Colin Smith said: "On arriving we noticed there was a fire on the ground floor.

"We broke in and after breaking in made our way through the house and found a semi-unconscious lady on the first floor in her bedroom.

"We brought her to safety. The lady was suffering from smoke inhalation so we gave her some first aid at the scene.

"The ambulance then took her to hospital."

Police and fire experts are investigating how the blaze started, but nothing suspicious has been found.

Later it emerged that the woman's mother may also have phoned the emergency services.

Mr Smith confirmed the fire appeared to have started in the kitchen area of the house but added: "Although it's under investigation, we do not suspect arson."

The fire chief said a smoke alarm had been fitted and operated as the blaze took hold. "She had a very lucky escape," he said. "Whoever got that first call through undoubtedly helped to save her life."

PA