999 call handler sacked after fire death

♦ An emergency call handler has been sacked following the death of an elderly woman after it took more than 90 minutes for fire crews to reach her.

Molly Wigmore, 76, died in the fire in October last year despite her home being only a mile and a half away from the main station.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, which has been cleared of any criminal offences, has confirmed that the 999 call handler who dealt with the original call has been sacked following disciplinary proceedings.

The first 999 call was made at 5.17am, reporting a smoke alarm sounding and a smell of smoke. A second call was made at 6.44am and a fire engine arrived at 6.50am, but Ms Wigmore was found dead in her room.