A BRIDGE of Allan woman had to be rescued from her home yesterday (Tuesday) after a blaze broke out in her bathroom.

Fire crews from Stirling and Bridge of Allan were called to the house in Forthpark just before 11pm when neighbours heard the smoke alarm going off.

The woman inside also called the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to say she was trapped in her bedroom.

Firefighters rescued the woman and put out the blaze, which had started when a candle set fire to the window blinds.

The woman was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation.

Watch Manager Jim Graham, the Incident Commander, said: “A Fire and Rescue Service fitted smoke alarm activated and alerted the neighbour and the occupant of the house. The occupant was trapped upstairs in her bedroom when we arrived with the fire being in a downstairs toilet.

“This incident could have had a very different outcome had a smoke alarm not been fitted in the house and activated. The fire survival guidance given to the occupant by Fire Control operators when she called 999, was vital in ensuring that she remained in relative safety until our arrival.

“If anyone is using candles in the home, please make sure that they are kept away from other items that could be set on fire and never leave them unattended.” Scottish Fire and Rescue Service urge every household to have working smoke alarms and test them every week. They provide free home fire safety visits and fit smoke alarms where required. If you or someone you know could benefit from a visit, please join Scotland’s fight against fire and request a visit by calling the SFRS freephone number 0800 0731 999, or by contacting their local fire station.

A wide range of tips on how to keep yourself and your home safe from fire are available on the SFRS website: www.firescotland.gov.uk