An elderly woman was treated with oxygen after a microwave oven went on fire in the kitchen of her West Lothian home.
The alarm was raised just after 3.30pm yesterday afternoon to an address in Braehead Terrace, Linlithgow. Firefighters arrived at the two-storey, end terrace house to find a fire in the microwave had activated the smoke alarm.
Fire crews assisted the 81-year-old female occupant out of the premises and an ambulance was called as a precaution. She was treated at the scene with oxygen therapy for smoke inhalation.
Firefighters removed the microwave and vented the property.
A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service said:
“The kitchen is one of the most common areas in the home for a house fire to start. Fortunately, in this instance, the alarm was raised quickly and the woman only suffered slight smoke inhalation. None-the-less it was no doubt a frightening and unpleasant experience for her.
“We would urge people to make sure that they have a working smoke alarm in their home, it really is the best way to protect yourself from fire, ensuring that with early warning you have time to get out of the property and raise the alarm.
“If you live in the Lothian and Borders area firefighters will fit a smoke alarm in your house for FREE as part of a home safety visit. To book an appointment call 0800 169 0320.”
