A Hereford woman and her dog had a lucky escape after they escaped a house fire that was so intense it forced the windows out of her Putson home early Monday morning.

Fire fighters used a turntable ladder, breathing apparatus and 3 pumps to control the blaze at a detached home in Hoarwithy Road.

The occupier was taken to Hereford County Hospital suffering with smoke inhalation while fire-fighters rescued her distressed cross-bred dog Sally who was trapped in the conservatory.

The fire was believed to have started in the rear bedroom and the heat was so intense it forced the windows to give way into the heavily smoke logged property.

Sub Officer Lee Champ said: "The lady was actually asleep downstairs in the lounge and it was the smoke alarm that woke her up and alerted the neighbours so the smoke alarm saved her life."

The cause of the fire is still under investigation although fire crew's confirmed it was accidental.

Anyone who needs advice and information on smoke alarms and fire safety can contact Hereford Fire Station on 01432 274561.