from burning flat

June 11, 2007

Source: The Australian

FIREFIGHTERS have rescued an unconscious woman from a fire caused by candles left burning in the bathroom of her flat. Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) crews were called to the block of flats at Ogilvie Street, in inner suburban Essendon, by neighbours who heard a smoke alarm and smelt smoke around 11.15pm (AEST) yesterday.

Neighbour Jason Morgan said he went to investigate and heard a woman screaming for help in an upstairs flat.

Mr Morgan eventually forced his way into the second-floor unit through a window, but the combination of fire, heat and smoke prevented him from reaching the woman, who was trapped in a bedroom.

“I heard her when I got up top and just couldn't get to her,” Mr Morgan told ABC Radio.

“Then she went quiet, so I was freaking out a bit until they (firefighters) brought her out,” he said.

Firefighters found the 35-year-old woman unconscious in a bedroom.

The woman, who suffered smoke inhalation, was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where she was in a satisfactory condition today.

A dog, which was also in the flat, was also rescued by firefighters.

Mr Morgan said he was “just glad she is alright, really, and her dog”.

The fire, which was brought under control within 10 minutes, caused $100,000 damage to the flat.

The MFB said the fire started after candles left burning in a bathroom ignited towels.