DRAMATIC rescue scenes unfolded in Dursley early this morning as firefighters saved two people from a flat blaze.
Firefighters were called to Silver Street at 5.52am after a neighbour raised the alarm.
They rescued two people from the flat, who were suffering from smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene by paramedics.
Food left unattended in the oven was the cause of the fire, and there was no smoke alarm at the flat to alert the residents.
A Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "The fire service received a call from a concerned neighbour reporting a flat on fire in Silver Street, Dursley.
"The neighbour thought that the occupant had gone out, leaving something on the cooker.
"Initially, one fire appliance attended from Dursley Fire Station with a crew of six firefighters and one from Wotton under Edge Fire Station, also with a crew of six.
"Once in attendance it was pointed out to the crew from Dursley that there were persons still inside and evidence of heavy smoke logging within the flat.
"They immediately requested the attendance of a supporting crew from Stroud Fire Station, who had a crew of five.
"Firefighters then proceeded to rescue the two occupants and lead them to safety. Both were suffering from smoke inhalation and were treated at scene by ambulance.
"Firefighters then dealt with the fire, caused by food being left unattended in an oven, using one hosereel and two breathing apparatus.
"Unfortunately there was no smoke alarm fitted at the property, therefore not alerting the occupants to the potential danger they were in.
"It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to have a working smoke alarm in your property.
"Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue service offers free home fire safety checks and fits smoke alarms free of charge."
If you know someone who may benefit from the smoke alarm fitting service, call 0800 180 4140.
You must get the permission of the nominee if you are nominating someone else for a home fire safety check.
