by Martin Jefferies

An elderly lady escaped a blaze at her Ramsgate home thanks to the calm actions and clear advice of fire control room staff.

The woman called 999 when a fire broke out in the living room of her Moss End Mews property at around 10pm yesterday.

She was unable to find her way out of the burning building but Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) operator Natalie Pavey stayed on the line for seven minutes, giving her vital safety advice.

Crews from Thanet (Westwood) and Ramsgate arrived at the scene within five minutes and found the lady, believed to be in her late 60s or early 70s, had escaped into the back garden.

Emma Reilly, control room watch manager, said: "Natalie told the lady to keep low and gave her other survival tips but mainly tried to keep her calm until crews arrived.

"Natalie is a very experienced member of staff with 10 years of service and although she was amazing throughout, she was still a little shaken afterwards. We're all very pleased when we have a satisfying outcome like this."

The cause of the blaze is still being investigated but it is thought a discarded cigarette may have set light to cushions.

A smoke alarm fitted inside the property had no battery and firefighters said the lady, who was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, was "extremely lucky" to wake up when she did.

Tom Carlier, Thanet watch manager, said: "This incident highlights a couple of clear messages for others. Make sure you have working smoke alarms, make sure you have an escape route planned and make sure you have the right information if you ever do have to ring in and report a fire."