A WOMAN died trying to save her dogs from a fire in the kitchen of her home.

Patricia Turner, 64, and her husband Malcolm, 63, suffered severe smoke inhalation in the blaze in Burnley Road, Weir, on Saturday night.

Her body was found by a carer visiting the home early yesterday. Her husband was found lying unconscious nearby.

A fire chief today urged home owners throughout East Lancashire to protect themselves from the danger of fires by fitting smoke alarms.

Fire bosses believe the retired couple would have avoided injury if an alarm had been fitted in their home.

The fire was caused by a frying pan setting alight on the cooker, but had burnt itself out by the time firefighters reached the home. A police spokesman said: "It seems Mrs Turner was alerted to the fire and headed to the kitchen to rescue her dogs. A carer visiting their home found Mrs Turner dead on the kitchen floor."

Mr Turner was taken to Burnley General Hospital after being found unconscious, suffering from smoke inhalation where his condition is today said to be comfortable.

Station Commander Steve Kennedy issued a plea to those who do not have a smoke alarm to contact their nearest fire station, where one can be fitted free of charge. Mr Kennedy said: "It's very sad when there could have been something in the house to prevent this tragedy.

"If the house had have been equipped with a smoke detector it would have alerted the couple to the fire sooner and give them chance to get out and contact us.

"People do not have any excuses not to have a smoke alarms these days because firefighters can visit homes, provide a home fire safety check and fit smoke detectors. I urge anybody who knows of someone who doesn't have an alarm fitted and working in their home to get them to contact us immediately."

A neighbour today paid tribute to Mrs Turner.

Tracy Walsh, 36, said: "It's such a shame. It's a very sad time for everyone, especially her husband and two children, she will be sadly missed by a lot of people."