A woman rescued from a burning flat in west Belfast may have been the victim of an arson attack, fire chiefs said today.
Crews in breathing masks led her through thick smoke to safety after she made an emergency call from her first floor home at Arundel Walk.
Assistant area commander Gordon Latimer said a working smoke alarm that alerted the woman could have saved her life.
"There's no doubt it gave us a valuable few minutes," he said. "She was in her living room watching TV when it went off. She went out to investigate and the stairs were full of smoke. There was no way out."
Staff at the Fire Service's control room stayed on the phone with the woman after she called last night, instructing her to get to a safe part of the flat.
The woman was also told to put a curtain out of her window to help guide firefighters to the location.
"When we arrived we managed to extinguish the fire and guide her to safety," Mr Latimer added.
"Ambulance crews gave first aid and she was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital with minor smoke inhalation."
Although police are still investigating the blaze, which started behind the front door of the building, Mr Latimer revealed it appeared to be malicious.
"I could see no other potential cause," he said. "It might turn out to be accidental, but the most likely cause appears to be deliberate ignition."
PA