A woman has been taken to hospital for treatment after a fire broke out in a mid-terraced home in St Albans at about midnight last night.

Crew commander Simon Lincoln from St Albans Fire Station said that five fire engines attended the blaze which broke out on the first floor of the house in Upper Culver Road at 11.50pm yesterday (Tuesday).

The blaze has been extinguished and three fire engines remain at the scene dampening down the home to ensure there are no flare-ups.

A woman, understood to be the occupant of the home, was taken to hospital suffering minor burns to her hands and smoke inhalation.

It is believed she initially attempted to tackle the fire herself.

Cmdr Lincoln said the cause is not known, but fire investigation officers are at the home trying to establish what started the blaze.

Firefighters had to battle to get to the seat of the fire itself, as there were many household items blocking their passageway.

Cmdr Lincoln said: “Going through the house was difficult. Firefighters got through 24 sets of breathing apparatus, and we had to remove items from the house.”

He said that neighbouring properties did not have to be evacuated as residents had already left their premises when the crews arrived.

The injured woman was also outside her home when they attended the blaze.

Firefighters ensured that the fire did not spread to neighbouring homes.

Cmdr Lincoln said: “There was potential for the fire to spread but we extinguished it, and we will remain at the house today.”

He added that traffic might be best to avoid the Upper Culver Road area today, while there are fire engines at the scene.

This story has now been updated

YouTube video courtesy of Daniel Bamford