Date: 9th June, 2017
An investigation is underway after an elderly woman died in a house fire in Royal Wootton Bassett this morning (9 June).
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service was called to a semi-detached property in Brynards Hill at 3.14am.
Crews from Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon and Westlea attended and found a well-developed fire in a first floor bedroom. Six breathing apparatus wearers used three hose reel jets and two main jets to tackle the blaze, and checks were made of the neighbouring house to ensure that there was no fire spread.
Volunteers from the British Red Cross emergency response team, based at Swindon fire station, also attended to support those directly affected by the incident.
A man living in the property was safely outside when firefighters arrived, having been alerted to the fire by the smoke alarms, and was treated at the scene by South Western Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation. A 70-year-old woman, believed to be his wife, was found in the affected bedroom and could not be saved.
The Fire and Rescue Service is now investigating the cause of the fire with Wiltshire Police, although it is thought to have started accidentally. The identity of the woman will be released by Wiltshire Police once all next of kin have been informed.