Woman Escapes Fire Caused By Discarded Cigarette

A woman's been taken to hospital after a fire in her living room at her flat in Fife last night.

The Scottish Fire Service says the blaze at Garry Park, Glencraig was caused by a cigarette.

The woman, in her mid 40s, was treated for smoke inhalation by ambulance crews and taken to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy for further treatment, and has since been discharged.

A crew from Lochgelly was alerted at 7:21pm and "quickly" extinguished the fire using a hose jet reel.

The Fire Service is reminding Fifers that discarded cigarettes are a common cause of house fires.

"It only takes a moment of carelessness to cause a fire that could cost someone their home, their possessions, or even their life. A spokesperson said.

“It is vital that smokers make sure they have fully extinguished cigarettes and matches immediately after use and, once lit, cigarettes, pipes or cigars should never be left unattended.

“A cigarette end can smoulder for hours before eventually starting a fire that can quickly spread flames, heat and toxic smoke throughout a property, so it’s essential that these are always disposed of correctly.

 “This incident also shows why every home needs to be protected by working smoke alarms.  We need to accept fire can happen to us and ensure our homes have the life-saving protection of working smoke alarms.