A WOMAN was carried to safety from a burning flat by firefighters after she was found in the living room semi-conscious.

Fire raged through the property above Lulu’s Off Licence and Convenience Store, Booth Street, Stacksteads.

Marie Carter was found slumped in a chair in the smoke-logged living room around 10.30pm on Thursday.

She was yesterday being treated for her injuries in hospital in Rochdale. Part of the roof and two bedrooms of the property were severely damaged.

Firefighters were called at 10.18pm and found smoke billowing through the roof when they arrived.

Four fire engines and an ariel ladder platform were needed to tackle the blaze.

Crews kicked down a side door in Tunstead Road and searched the flat where they found Mrs Carter.

She was carried out of the building by leading firefighter Phil Lowe and firefighter Mick Hawke.

Once rescued she was given first aid by fire-fighters until paramedics arrived. Firefighters also rescued a cat and a tortoise.

An investigation has been launched and the fire is being treated as suspicious.

Acting watch manager Steve Morley, said: “We found a female casualty.

“She was sat in a chair and was semi-conscious, “She was carried down the stairs.

“The fire started in a bedroom that was being used as a store room.

“It is being treated as suspicious.”

One 38-year-old Booth Street resident said: “I was going to take my dog out for a walk and saw all the smoke.

“No one was sure she was in but then she was carried out by the firefighters.

“There was smoke coming out of the roof and then we saw the flames.”