A WOMAN was taken to hospital with minor burns and smoke inhalation following a fire in Christchurch last night.

The fire broke out in the first floor bedroom of a detached property in St Margaret's Avenue.

Bournemouth Echo:

A resident who did not wish to be named said she saw thick black smoke billowing from the first floor of the property.

She added: "It was a very distressing thing to see."

Four firefighters used breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire along with two hose reel jets.

Two fire crews from Christchurch rushed to the scene after they were called just before 10.30pm.

Neighbours said the home was occupied by an elderly woman and her carer.

It is understood the carer was taken to hospital and the elderly woman was taken in by a neighbour following the incident. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Two volunteers from Dorset's British Red Cross Emergency Response Team also attended to provide assistance to those affected by the fire.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said the occupants had been alerted to the fire by their smoke alarms.

A spokesperson said: "Without them, there could have been multiple seriously injured people, or worse."

The fire service said an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

For more information on smoke alarms and to request a free Safe and Well check for yourself or a family member, visit dwfire.org.uk/safety/safety-at-home/smoke-alarms.