AN elderly woman died early today after her Warrington home was badly damaged by fire.
The blaze was at a house in Shaws Avenue, Orford and generated so much heat that a firefighter’s helmet melted as he tackled the outbreak in a first floor bedroom.
The woman was found collapsed in another bedroom and, despite desperate attempts by firefighters and ambulance crews, was found to be dead on arrival at Warrington Hospital.
The fire was reported at about 5am today by a neighbour. By the time fire crews reached the scene, flames were leaping from a first floor window.
Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus had to force an entry to the smoke filled house and carried the woman out.
Two hosereel jets were used to tackle the blaze.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
A Fire Service spokesman said no working smoke detectors were fitted in the property.
He said it was unusual for a firefighters helmet to melt in the heat. The firefighters wearing it was not harmed – but would need a new helmet.
