Warning after three killed in blazes

The unconnected house fires claimed the lives of a 49-year-old woman in Headingley, Leeds, a 41-year-old man in Morley, Leeds, and a 59-year-old woman in Baildon, near Bradford.

County deputy fire officer Steve Beckley said: "Our thoughts and concern remain with the families and friends of those who sadly died in these incidents.

"The events are a shocking reminder to us of the devastation of fire and smoke in the home. I would urge everyone to take just a few moments to consider fire safety in the home.

"It is essential that you have fitted and working smoke alarms and that in the event of a fire you have an escape plan. These simple measures will save lives."

Mr Beckley said a free home fire safety check and free smoke alarms were available via freephone 0800 587 4536.

The flat fire in Bear Pit Gardens, Headingley, which claimed the life of Alison Ewing, 49, happened at about 11pm on Saturday. An investigation into the cause is ongoing but one theory is that it was caused by a candle near a settee.

The blaze at a house in Collier Lane, Baildon, killed a 59-year-old woman on Wednesday last week. The house was not fitted with working smoke alarms, according to fire investigators.

A cigarette is thought to have started the blaze.

On Friday evening a fire killed a man in a house in Peel Street, Morley. It is thought the cause was linked to cooking.

Again, the house was not fitted with a working smoke detector.

n Coroner's officers are trying to trace relatives of Alison Ewing, who had two sons, Darrell and Timothy.

Contact Lesley White on 0113 3970602.