Fire Fighters Hurt As Bolton House Fire Kills Woman

Three fire fighters have been injured - one of them being seriously burned - as they rescued an elderly woman from a house fire in Bolton.

The 71-year-old victim later died, but three other people's lives were saved after being rescued from the blaze, a man in his 70s, a 24-year-old woman and a five-year-old girl.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to a house fire on Little Holme Walk, Great Lever, Bolton at 11.30pm yesterday.

It is reported that neighbours had "desperately" tried to rescue the family inside the end-terraced house but were beaten back by the flames.

It is understood that the elderly woman was being carried out by a fire fighter when the blaze engulfed them both - fatally injuring the victim, who later died in the Royal Bolton hospital. She has been named locally as Hameeda Begum.

The dead woman's husband, Mumtaz Chisty, 73, was also taken to hospital for treatment. It is understood he got out of the house to get help. Mr Chisty is a local Labour Party activist and owns a jewellery store nearby.

The surviving 24-year-old remains in a critical condition at the Royal Bolton Hospital and the five-year-old has been taken to Pendlebury Children's Hospital, her condition is described as serious.

The man suffered burns to his leg and hand which are not thought to be life threatening and is also being treated at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Three fire fighters, aged 36, 38 and 39, were also injured. The 38-year-old officer suffered up to 50% burns to his lower back and legs and serious burns to his hands.

The other two officers suffered burns to their hands and arms. All are being treated in hospital.

A joint investigation to establish the cause of the fire has been launched by specialist fire investigation officers and Greater Manchester Police.

It is reported that initial investigations into the cause of the fire have indicated that the alarm was raised by a smoke detector activating.

Fire and Rescue Service Bolton Borough Commander, Vinny Simpson said: "At this time our thoughts are with the family and friends of the lady who died, and the other occupants of the house who were involved in this tragic accident."

Mr Simpson said that he would "like to recognise the outstanding bravery of the fire fighters who entered the property to rescue the occupants in very physically demanding conditions, disregarding the risk to themselves in an attempt to save them".

The case is being treated as an horrific arson attack, given the severity of the blaze, and the sudden explosion of flames and smoke once fire crews got inside.

Officially, it remains "suspicious: "The investigation is going to involve forensic science fire officers, Greater Manchester Police and others.

"But we will get to the bottom of what caused the fire. At the moment it is being treated as suspicious," said the Borough Commander.

(DS)(BMcC)