An elderly Carnoustie woman has died after an early-morning fire at her home in the town’s Panmure Street.
Firefighters were called to the single-storey end-terrace cottage shortly after 4am on Thursday following reports of an activated smoke alarm.
Although the blaze was quickly brought under control by Tayside Fire and Rescue the woman, who is understood to have been in her early 80s, was found dead in the house.
The property and the two adjoining homes were cordoned off by police on Thursday.
A canopy was placed over the doorway to allow investigators to examine the scene to determine the cause of the blaze.
Neighbours said the woman, who will not be named by police until she has been formally identified and next of kin informed, had lived alone at the property since her husband’s death around 10 years ago and that she generally kept herself to herself.
One, who did not wish to be named, said, “The first I knew that something was wrong was when I heard the fire engines and the police came knocking at my door at about 4.30am.
“I didn’t see or smell anything and it’s just so sad.”
They added, “She lived on her own but received visits from meals on wheels and other services, and I don’t think she kept very well.
“She had been in and out of hospital recently and was obviously quite frail but, although we never really spoke, she would always wave if she saw you.”
The neighbour said, “My neighbour said the smoke was just pouring out of her house when the fire brigade opened the door so I don’t suppose she had much of a chance.
“I think she has a daughter and a son-in-law who live nearby, but I haven’t seen them this morning.”Tragic accidentA Tayside Police spokesman said that inquiries were continuing and, as is the case with all sudden deaths, a report would be submitted to the procurator fiscal in due course once the circumstances of the tragedy had been determined.
He added that there was nothing to suggest the woman’s death was anything other than a tragic accident.
A fire brigade spokesman said, “On arrival, crews forced entry to the property but tragically were unable to save the occupant, who had succumbed to the effects of the fire.
“This death further highlights that an emergency response capacity on its own will not save all the lives that are lost in fires.
“The crew from Carnoustie Fire Station took less than a minute to travel from the station to this fire yet they were unable to save the occupant.”
He added, “Many of the fire deaths in Tayside are preventable and an awareness of the causes and dangers of fire, the advantages of having operating smoke alarms and knowing what to do if you discover a fire can save your life.
“We want to work with our communities to reduce the tragic consequences of fire.”
Anyone in Tayside can arrange a free home fire safety visit and discuss any concerns they may have by calling 0300 123 9998.