02 February 2012 - Elderly woman taken to hospital after fire, Edinburgh
A concerned neighbour averted a more serious incident when he went to check on an elderly woman and discovered she had fallen in her bedroom causing a lamp to topple over and start a small fire.
Firefighters were called to Ashley Gardens in the Shandon area of Edinburgh just after 8pm on Wednesday evening (1 February).
A resident of the street worried that he had not seen his 89-year-old neighbour went to investigate and discovered that she had fallen in her bedroom. She had knocked over a lamp which had set fire to bedclothes which were smouldering.
He was able to extinguish the fire and call for an ambulance who in turn notified Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service.
The 89-year-old woman was taken by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary with a suspected shoulder injury.
A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said:
“It is very lucky that a vigilant neighbour who noticed that he had not seen any lights on in the elderly woman’s home went to check on her. Without doubt, in raising the alarm so quickly he prevented a more serious incident. He also ensured that the woman received prompt medical attention for her injury.
“If you have an elderly neighbour, relative or friend you can help protect them from fire by ensuring they have a working smoke detector in their home. This will raise the alarm if fire breaks out. If you live in the Lothian and Borders Service area, you can book a free home safety visit where local firefighters will come to your home and fit a free smoke detector. They will also be able to give the occupier fire safety advice specific to their own circumstances. To book an appointment call 0800 169 0320.”
Enquiries: Ruth MacLeod, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service, Tel: 0131 228 2401
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