AN elderly woman is lucky to be alive after being trapped in her home by fire.

The woman has been taken to hospital following a fire at bungalow in Crabbs Cross Lane, Redditch earlier today.

Three crews from Redditch Fire Station attended the incident along with a crew from Bromsgrove and on arrival firefighters found a smoke logged house with the occupant trapped inside.

Entry was made and breathing apparatus wearers were deployed into the property with hose reels.

Crews then used positive pressure ventilation to clear smoke from the property and rescued an elderly female who was handed over to ambulance crews and taken to the hospital.

Station Commander Stuart Crebbin said: “I would like to thank all of the emergency services that attended this incident for their quick response. Each service played a vital role in bringing the incident to a close by working together.

"I have no doubt that the rapid action of the first attending fire crews from Redditch and Bromsgrove has saved the life of the occupier who was trapped by fire.

“The fire started in a bedroom and, although relatively small in size, posed a significant risk due to the large quantities of toxic smoke which filled the room and hallways.”

Group Commander Adrian Elliott added: “A fire investigation is currently underway to identify the cause.

"I would encourage people to test their smoke alarms are working on a weekly basis. If you have any vulnerable friends, family or neighbours, help them to test."