A CARELESLY discarded cigarette may have sparked off a blaze in which a woman died.

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus carried 53-year-old Bernadette Mellett out of the semi detached house on Cooper Street after she was found collapsed in the living room. But it was too late to save her and she died at the scene.

Firefighters were called out at 10.49pm last Wednesday after the blaze broke out in the living room. Paramedics and police officers also attended.

A joint police and fire service investigation is underway and a report will be sent to the coroner. The early indication, though, is that carelessly discarded smoking materials could have caused the fire.

There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

The house did not have a smoke alarm fitted.

Three fire engines went to the house and five firefighters wore breathing apparatus. Two hose reels were used to put it out.

The fire damaged 40 per cent of the living room and the remainder of the house was smoke damaged.