Anne Boyle died following the blaze in Crosby
Anne Boyle(Image: Facebook)
A woman has died after a house fire on Monday morning (May 4). Firefighters rushed to the scene on Oaklands Avenue in Crosby where the blaze had broken out at a semi-detached property.
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) said three fire engines were sent to the house at 5.43am before arriving five minutes later and found a fire in the first-floor, front bedroom of the property. A neighbour had tried to rescue the sole occupant but was unable to do so due to the developing fire, MFRS said.
Firefighters in breathing apparatus brought the fire under control and searched the property, bringing the occupant from the top floor. Emergency life-saving procedures were carried out by fire crews and a paramedic before the casualty was taken to hospital by North West Ambulance Service in a serious condition.
The fire was extinguished by 6.11am and no one else was injured in the incident. Firefighters then carried out further checks in the adjoining property before leaving the scene later in the day.
The fire service has said the casualty, a woman named locally as Anne Boyle, died as a result of her injuries.
MFRS said initial investigations indicate the fire was “accidental” and is not being treated as suspicious. A joint investigation into the cause of the blaze is ongoing.
On Tuesday, May 5, neighbours paid tribute to Ms Boyle, with one neighbour describing her as “lovely”.
He said: “We only moved in six months ago but we loved her so much, she was so nice and kind. When we moved in she gave us flowers, sweets and a card saying how happy she was to have us here.
“Whenever we saw her she always said hello and asked us how we are. The whole family is very sad.”
He added that a relative of Ms Boyle’s told them of her death.
Another neighbour told the ECHO how Ms Boyle had lived in the house for decades and was “kind and friendly”.
The Coroner’s Office for Liverpool and Wirral confirmed to the ECHO a file has been passed to them following the death of Ms Boyle.
Mark Thomas, area manager for prevention at MFRS, said: “This was a very serious fire that has tragically resulted in loss of life. Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the lady who was involved. We also know the impact an incident like this can have on the wider community and our crews will be on hand to support in the coming days.
“I must praise the actions of the neighbour who raised the alarm, they did exactly the right thing by calling us. All three emergency services attended very quickly, working together to try and influence a more positive outcome.
“If you do hear a smoke alarm go off in a neighbour’s property, check it out and if you suspect fire, call 999 immediately. Those vital few seconds could help save a life. Don’t try to enter the property yourself if you think there is a fire.”
AM Thomas added: “The most important step you can take to keep yourself and your loved ones safe is to ensure your home has working smoke alarms. This is absolutely vital. Working smoke alarms can give you the time you need to escape.
“Make sure your exit routes are clear and that doors within your property are closed at night. These simple steps will allow you and your family to exit your home safely and quickly in the event of an emergency. Remember, in the event of a fire – get out, stay out and call 999.”
Firefighters and MFRS prevention staff will also visit the area to provide vital fire safety advice and complete home fire safety checks as part of a reassurance campaign in the coming days.
