AN ELDERLY woman is lucky to be alive after a fire broke out at her Oswestry home in the early hours of Friday morning.
The incident, which took place in Queen Elizabeth Drive, was reported after a neighbour heard the smoke detector and raised the alarm.
Hazel Jones, 80, was rescued from the house before being treated for smoke inhalation and shock at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
Her son Stephen Jones said: "My sisters got here before me, so by the time I got down here Mum had been taken to hospital and the firefighters had pretty much finished."
Mrs Jones, who lives alone, was asleep at the time of the incident and hadn't heard the alarm.
Importance of smoke detectors.
Oswestry Fire Station Watch Manager, John Davies said: "When we arrived there was smoke coming from the first floor window, so we entered the property with breathing apparatus and found the fire was contained in the toilet area of the first floor.
"We then rescued Mrs Jones and she was taken to hospital by ambulance.
"I can't stress how important it is to have a smoke detector in your home and also to keep doors shut at night because it was only through this that the fire was so well contained," he added.
The damage to the property was minimal and mainly contained to the front door, which had to be broken down by the fire crew. There was also some minor fire damage to the bathroom.
Mr Jones added: "The council did a great job of securing the property so quickly - we just need to get rid of the smell of smoke now.
"We would like to thank the fire brigade for doing such a great job and getting Mum out so quickly and also the neighbours for raising the alarm because it doesn't bear thinking what could have happened.
"Mum is currently in hospital and waiting to see the doctor, then we will know if we can take her home," he added.
The incident was attended by two pumps from Oswestry, one from Chirk and an incident commander from Shrewsbury.