Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Neighbours of a 57-year-old who died after a house fire in Mansfield, have spoken of their shock.

Crews from Mansfield, Ashfield and Edwinstowe fire stations were called to the incident on Princess Avenue, Forest Town, yesterday, Thursday, January 19, at about 5.30pm.

Nottinghamshire Police said a fire alarm alerted neighbours and they called the emergency services.

Sadly, a 57-year-old woman was declared dead at the scene. Her family have been informed and the exact cause of the fire is now being investigated

A 57-year-old woman has died after a house fire in Forest Town, Mansfield

One resident, who declined to be named, said: “It was terrible. She was in a wheelchair and had carers come three times a day.

“It must be devastating for the family.

“It’s shocking. I didn’t know her, but I had seen her around and about.

“It’s awful. I was at home, but I didn’t hear anything.

“I was watching television and then I saw all the flashing lights.

“They cordoned the street off.”

Mansfield mayoral candidate vows to axe role if elected

Kevin Willis, who lives next door to the property, said: “I didn’t even hear the smoke alarm go off. All I knew about it was when the fire engine pulled up outside.

“I went out to find out what was going off. It just billowed with smoke coming out the front, then after that it just snowballed.

“It’s a shame. I’m grateful it didn’t explode and the whole bungalow didn’t go up as mine would have gone up as well.

“The fireman came and told me I had to get out.

“I wouldn’t have expected it.”

A police and fire service presence remained at the scene overnight.

Chief Inspector Paul Hennessy, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident, and our thoughts go out to her family and friends.”

Chris Emmott, group manager from Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “On behalf of NFRS, I would like to express my condolences to the woman’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“We are grateful to the local community for their patience and understanding while we investigate the cause of this fire.”

A spokesman for Ashfield Fire Station, on Sutton Road, Kirkby, said: “Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”

Neighbours left ‘shocked’ after death of woman in Mansfield house fire