Elderly woman killed in bungalow fire that started in kettle

The 83-year-old woman was killed after the blaze started in the kitchen of a bungalow which had no working smoke alarms in Croxton, near Stafford, at around 9am on Sunday.

A man managed to get inside and pull the woman out of the building but she was pronounced dead at the scene in Windmill Lane.

The man was treated for smoke inhalation.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said the woman tried to get out of the bungalow before becoming overcome by the smoke.

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Fire Investigation Officer Simon Craythorn said: "We believe the fire began in the kitchen and started in the kettle.

"She had tried to leave the property before becoming overcome by the smoke.

"Unfortunately, there were no working smoke alarms in the bungalow to quickly alert others to the blaze."

Fire engines from Eccleshall, Longton, Stafford and Newcastle attended and firefighters used breathing apparatus and hose-reel jets to extinguish the fire.

An investigation concluded that the blaze had started in the kitchen.

'Incredibly sad'

Mr Craythorn added: "This is an incredibly sad incident and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this difficult time.

"We believe the fire began in the kitchen and started in the kettle. She had tried to leave the property before becoming overcome by the smoke.

"Unfortunately, there were no working smoke alarms in the bungalow to quickly alert others to the blaze.

“A man did enter the property in an attempt to rescue the lady. He was able to get her outside but sadly she died at the scene.

"Although his actions are to be commended, we do not advise anyone enters a burning building, but calls 999 and waits for the fire service to arrive.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder to have a suitable number of smoke alarms in your property and ensure that they are working properly."

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "We were called by the fire service to a property fire on Windmill Lane, Croxton, Stafford at 9.09am on Sunday.

"An ambulance and paramedic officer attended. Sadly, one woman was confirmed deceased on scene."

• For information about smoke alarms and staying safe and well in your home ring Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Advice Team on 0800 0241 999 or visit www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/.