FIREFIGHTERS have issued a festive plea to the public to look out for elderly relatives and neighbours following the death of an elderly woman in a house fire in Hale Barns.

The 84-year-old woman was found dead by firefighters just before 7.30am on Tuesday.

Firefighters from Altrincham were sent to the bungalow on Crabtree Avenue, Hale Barns, after someone called them to report that a fire alarm had been triggered.

They entered the single storey house and found a fire in the bedroom.

The woman was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

This year the fire service has been called to fires in Trafford, Manchester, Wigan, Stockport and Rochdale in which eight elderly people have died after fires accidently broke out in their homes.

Chairman of the Greater Manchester Fire Authority, Gorse Hill councillor David Acton, said: “We’re issuing this plea now because the falling temperatures put older people at even greater risk of fire as they attempt to keep warm using heaters, candles and electric blankets.

“It is alarming that eight elderly people have died following fires in their homes this year – and what makes it even more tragic is that these incidents could have been prevented.

“The risk of dying in a fire for those aged 65 and over is more than twice as high as the average risk for all ages and the reality is that these fires can be avoided.

“I am urging the people of Greater Manchester to look out for their elderly relatives and neighbours this winter – especially those living alone – and make sure they keep warm safely.

“Make sure they have a working smoke alarm and check them once a week so if there is a fire in the home they will have an early warning.”