THIRTY firefighters from across the area were called to a serious fire in the Brinsham Park area of Yate yesterday afternoon, trapping one woman.

Seven fire engines from across the region were called to the fire, which is understood to have destroyed the top floor and roof of one property, and damaged three neighbouring properties.

The woman, who is believed to live in the property where the fire started, called for help from the rear bedroom where she was trapped.

Control staff advised the woman, who is in her 40s, on how to stay safe until emergency services arrived.

Fire crews have been praised for their hard work rescuing the woman and extinguishing the fire:

They directed her to stand near an open window for air and place bedding under the door to prevent smoke entering the room.

The residents of all four affected properties were evacuated, all properties have suffered considerable smoke and water damage.

It is understood that the rescued woman was treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics at the scene.

Crews are understood to have extinguished the fire after a number of hours using four high pressure hose reels, four jets and a turntable ladder.

At this stage the cause of the fire is unknown.