A WOMAN trapped by fire was found just in time by firefighters after she rang for help, but failed to leave her address.

She was rescued from her first-floor flat in Winifred Street, Ramsbottom, after collapsing at the top of the stairs.

The 35-year-old had called 999 and shouted 'fire!' but put down the phone without giving her address.

Control staff dispatched firefighters from Ramsbottom and Bury while they traced the address.

Three fire appliances were sent to Winifred Street at midnight on Saturday and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus found the woman slumped on the floor.

She regained consciousness and was given oxygen by paramedics before she was taken to Fairfield General Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation.

It is believed the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette which had fallen onto a quilt cover in the lounge. About half the room was destroyed and the flat was severely damaged by smoke.

Sub Officer Alan Senior at Ramsbottom Fire Station said: "Our control centre received a call from a woman who shouted 'fire' and put the phone down.

"Our call systems allows us to trace where the call came from and this was done in a matter of seconds. This woman could have been killed."