Tributes to young Chesterfield woman who died in flat fire tragedy

Firefighters were called to the blaze in a first-floor flat on Seaton Court, Devonshire Close, Newbold, at about 8.50pm on Saturday, September 12.

The 34-year-old woman sadly died at the scene and investigations by police and fire chiefs to determine the cause of the blaze are ongoing.

Myra Wilbourn said the woman’s boyfriend had ‘lost everything’ in the fire.

She posted on Facebook: “Just take a moment and imagine it was you in this situation, where you’ve lost everything you’ve ever worked and fought for.

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"Michael has lost his girlfriend in the fire and also his dog, as well as his memories and his whole life has gone up in flames.”

Other Chesterfield residents expressed their shock at the incident, and passed on their condolences to the woman’s family.

Janette Umney posted on our Facebook page: “Rest in peace, condolences to her family and friends.”

Melissa Clarridge said: “So sad thinking of the family. I was in A&E last night and some police came in to be treated. They looked distressed and were suffering from inhaled smoke.”

Linda Shaw posted that it was ‘very sad news’ and Margaret Wilson sent her condolences to the woman’s family and friends.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters from Chesterfield, Staveley, Dronfield and Clay Cross were called to attend the fire at 8.51pm on Saturday.

"On arrival crews were met with a well-developed fire in a first floor flat.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the building, locating one female who was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by East Midland Ambulance Service.

“The thoughts and sympathy of everyone at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service are with the family and friends of the deceased at this distressing time.”

A joint police and fire investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Constabulary said there were no major updates this morning.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is being asked call Derbyshire police on 101, quoting incident 1164 of September 12.

You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

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