Probe After Woman Dies in House Fire

A woman has died following a house fire in the early hours. Firefighters were called to the property at Mavsibank Street in Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, shortly before 12.25am. Two crews from Coatbridge attended the incident. Firefighters searched the house and removed the woman from the scene but, despite the efforts of paramedics, she died. The flames were extinguished using a single high-pressure jet. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's (SFRS) investigation unit and Police Scotland are now working to establish how the blaze started. An SFRS spokesman said: "Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus searched the house and removed the woman. "Our crews and paramedics provided emergency treatment at the scene but sadly she did not survive. "The loss of life through fire is always a tragedy that impacts many people across a community and our thoughts are very much with the woman's family and friends. "While we cannot comment on the specific circumstances surrounding this incident, any death through fire must prompt us all to consider fire safety and take steps to reduce any risks to ourselves and those around us.'' Free home fire safety visits can be arranged by calling the SFRS on 0800 073 1999, via the SFRS website at www.firescotland.gov.uk or by texting FIRE to 80800.