A woman was rescued from a flat in Poundbury after it filled with smoke.

Fire crews forced their way into the flat on Peverell Avenue West after a concerned neighbour reported alarms sounding just before midnight.

The ambulance service was also called due to the woman suffering with smoke inhalation.

It is understood that the cause of the smoke was a pan being left on a cooker whilst the occupant of the flat fell asleep on the sofa.

Upon arrival to the property on Friday (March, 8), firefighters were met by the neighbour who made the call and upon approaching the front door, smoke could be seen inside the property.

A spokesperson for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “One fire crew from Dorchester was sent to reports of alarms activating at a block of flats in Peverell Avenue West, Poundbury.

“On arrival they found smoke logging within a flat at the premises. After gaining entry, the crew rescued a female from the property.

“The source of the smoke logging was believed to have been a pan left on the cooker, while the occupant slept on the sofa.

“The crew gave casualty care to the occupier and requested the attendance of the ambulance service due to smoke inhalation.

“Without the working smoke detection system within the premises, this incident could of been far more serious.”

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