Mother relives 'scary' fire alert

Michelle Tod praised the fire controller for keeping her calm

A family trapped in a burning flat in Edinburgh were rescued after a fire brigade controller gave them survival tips over the telephone.

Two adults and a toddler became stuck in their living room when a door slammed shut.

The operator told them how to block out smoke, open windows and keep calm until firefighters arrived.

Michelle Tod praised the operator for coaxing her and her one-year-old son through "a very scary experience".

Ambulance personnel treated the pair for smoke inhalation.

Smoke from a fire in a mattress in the bedroom forced them and Ms Tod's brother into their living room, where they were stuck after the door jammed.

'Very scary'

Ms Tod used her mobile phone to alert Lothian and Borders Fire Brigade.

Emergency fire controller Lynn Oliver advised the family to jam clothes round the door, open a window and remain calm.

Ms Tod said: "If it wasn't for the controller we would have completely panicked, we wouldn't have known what to do because we couldn't get out of the living room.

Lynn Oliver said asking the caller questions in an emergency is vital

"It was a very, very scary experience and something I wouldn't like to go through again."

Ms Oliver said the caller had remained calm during their telephone conversation.

"I kept asking her (Ms Tod) questions to keep her occupied," she said.

"I kept telling her the fire engines were on their way and wouldn't be long."

Emergency services believe the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette, but the investigation is continuing.