A 34-year-old Chelmsford woman rescued from the bedroom of her smoke filled home at the weekend praised Chelmsford firefighters...and a burglar alarm for saving her life.
"The fire brigade were brilliant - and I also have the alarm fitted by the previous owners to thank for saving me, " said 34-year-old civil servant Claire Saunders.
She awoke at approximately 5.30am on Saturday morning when the burglar alarm just outside her front bedroom window was somehow triggered.
Claire said: "I was fast asleep when alarm went off and when I opened the bedroom door the landing was filled with dense smoke which was apparently caused by the TV set smouldering in the front room.
"I closed the door quickly and dialled 999 on my bedroom telephone. I opened the bedroom window and it wasn't long before the firefighters arrived to rescue me.
"I don't know what triggered the burglar alarm, but from now on I will always have smoke detectors fitted."
Claire was taken to Broomfield hospital, suffering from shock and mild smoke inhalation, but later released.
The men of Green Watch, based at Chelmsford fire station, Waterhouse Lane, also saved her pedigree Persian long-haired cats Dotty and her offspring Pepper and Daisy.
"I told them my cats were trapped in the kitchen so when they broke in the back Dotty, Pepper and Daisy scattered into the garden.
"Dotty went missing for a few days, but now thanks goodness she is back and I think I may have a stranger to thank for looking after her," added Claire.
By Steve Clow
Reporter's e-mail: steve.clow@essex-chronicle.co.uk
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