In this case a smoke alarm would more than likely have saved a life

Alyn Edwards, Assistant Divisional Fire Officer

A police forensic team and fire brigade investigators are trying to establish the cause of the blaze.

The fire virtually destroyed the timbered building, which is believed to be several hundred years old.

Two crews were called back there on Saturday after embers in the gable end of the house reignited.

Assistant Divisional Fire Officer Alyn Edwards has said that the death of Mrs Jones may have been prevented if a fire alarm had been fitted.

The house is centuries old

He said: "In any large property, a smoke alarm in an area of a house not in use very often would be of great benefit.

"It will alert occupiers in seconds of any smoke because it is the smoke that kills not the fire.

"In this case a smoke alarm would more than likely have saved a life."

Mr Edwards added: "We are slowly eliminating causes of the fire but won't confirm until we are 100% sure."

Dangerous conditions

Because of the unstable condition of the house, the road was sealed off.

Four crews who tackled the blaze on Friday night faced a fierce fire and thick black smoke which made rescue attempts extremely hazardous.

Flames engulfed the ground and first floors, roof and rear of the house causing extensive damage.