FIRE WARNING AFTER AYCLIFFE DEATH

Fire chiefs have issued a warning after a pensioner died in an Aycliffe house fire on Monday.

The 65-year-old woman died following a fire at a property in Honister Place around 1pm yesterday.

The pensioner and her 37-year-old son were rescued and taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital by ambulance, but she later died.

Steve Wharton, of the fire and rescue service, said a number of properties were evacuated as a precaution.

He said: “We received multiple calls from the area saying there was a lot of smoke coming from the house and dispatched appliances from Newton Aycliffe, Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

“When they arrived, they found that there was a man visible in one of the windows, who we were able to walk down the ladder.

“It became clear that there was another person trapped in the house, but due to the severity of the fire it wasn’t possible to get anybody else out using the ladder.”

Mr Wharton said eight firefighters were able to get into the house using breathing apparatus.

The fire was put out by 3.30pm, but the house was severely damaged by fire and smoke.

Fire and rescue area manager Andy Hopkinson said: “This tragic loss of life is deeply saddening and our thoughts are with the person’s family and friends at this time.

“This is the second fatal house fire in County Durham in as many months and I strongly urge people to ensure they have a working smoke alarm fitted on every level of their home.

“Please don’t forget your friends, relatives or neighbours, particularly those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly or who live alone. Do they have a working smoke alarm?”

Mr Hopkinson said to arrange a home safety visit which included fitting a free smoke alarm for a vulnerable person, people should call 0191 332 4222 or visit www.ddfire.gov.uk