Fire chiefs have urged all north-east homeowners to check their smoke alarms following the death of an Aberdeen pensioner.
Joan Ross was pulled from her Hilton Drive home by firefighters on Tuesday evening, but later died in hospital.
Last night Grampian Fire and Rescue revealed that although a smoke alarm had been fitted in the property, it was not working.
The Press and Journal has learned that the 66-year-old was unable to raise the alarm herself and that it was only when a neighbour – Jason Horrocks – spotted smoke escaping from a back window that emergency services were called.
By that time, 6.20pm, the fire had already ripped through the first-floor property. Ms Ross was carried out of her home by members of the 14-man fire crew which tackled the blaze.
They cut through walls to reach her and despite being treated by paramedics at the scene, she died in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Last night the firefighter leading the probe into the blaze, Graeme Goonan, stressed the importance of regular smoke alarm checks.
He said: “There were batteries in the detector here, but they were not maintained properly so the smoke alarm didn’t work. Pressing the test button will indicate an efficient working smoke alarm. If it doesn’t work try fitting a new battery. If it still doesn’t work, buy a new alarm.”
Yesterday neighbours revealed that Ms Ross, who lived alone, had become a recluse in recent years due to mobility problems.
She worked as a receptionist at the Woodside Medical Group, on Western Road, for 16 years before retiring in 2004.
Her health had been deteriorating since, and it is understood the divorcee had been admitted to hospital several times in recent years, once to be treated for pneumonia.
Recently she had only been able to get out of her flat with the help of two walking sticks, and she had to take taxis everywhere, even to nearby shops.
The flat below hers is occupied by Tommy Jopp. Mr Horrocks, his lodger, spotted smoke coming from the back of the property shortly after 6pm on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old butcher said he and Mr Jopp have both had to move out while damage caused to their flat by the fire is repaired.
Michael McElwee, 67, of Smithfield Road, said locals had been concerned about the pensioner recently.
He added: “I used to see her when I went to the shops, but she was hardly out in the past few years. I know people living nearby had been worried about her.”
Anne Hart, 62, of Middlefield Place, said Ms Ross was a “lovely woman”, but that she “hadn’t been out much” recently.
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “Before her health problems, she was always beautifully dressed and her hair was always immaculate. She was a very friendly woman and she was well known from her time at the surgery.
“She also loved animals.”
Ms Ross’s pet cat is feared to have died in the fire.
Fire investigators have started searching what remains of her home, 198 Hilton Drive, to try and establish what caused the blaze. It is not being treated as suspicious.
The region’s chief fire officer, David Dalziel, added: “This tragic loss of life is a solemn reminder to all of us on the importance of fire safety education and prevention. Our thoughts are with the friends and family of the victim.”