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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
National
Steve Evans

Canberra house fire dramatic rescue

A woman was extricated from the house. Picture: Steve Evans

Fire fighters pulled an injured victim from a Canberra house fire early on Sunday morning.

The person had to be "extricated", according to the Emergency Services Agency, and then taken to hospital in a critical condition with smoke inhalation.

It is believed the person was an elderly woman.

One person familiar with the rescue operation said the fire victim was "not in a good shape".

Neighbours said she was taken from the flames and smoke on a stretcher.

They reported hearing a loud explosion before dawn. They believe her dryer exploded while she was asleep, however, the official cause of the fire is still being investigated.

The ACT ESA said firefighters had been called to the home in Orchard Place, Melba at about 6.45am.

Three fire trucks, ambulance and three police cars attended.

The fire was extinguished by about 7.30am. People were asked to avoid the quiet residential cul-de-sac.

Firefighters also extinguished a fire in the roof of a house at Matthews Place in Gowrie on Sunday afternoon.

Emergency services arrived at the house shortly after 2.20pm, and the blaze was extinguished before 2.50pm. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters were also called to a fire at the intersection of Savige and Blamey Crescent late Friday night.


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