Fire crews gave the woman, who has not been named, oxygen treatment at the scene before she was taken by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital for a check-up.

The fire, which is not being treated as suspicious, caused “moderate to severe” damage to the living room of the first-floor flat.

Assistant divisional officer Kenneth Fraser, of the fire brigade, said crews had arrived to find the living room filled with smoke.

“A small fire was developing in there, and it was extinguished using a hose reel jet and two sets of breathing apparatus,” he said.

“The premises were subsequently ventilated, and there was a small amount of cutting away and damping down to be done.

“The living room had sustained moderate to severe smoke damage, and there was fire damage in a corner of the room where the fire originated.

“One occupant was found. She was a bit dazed and confused, and needed some assistance in getting out of the flat.

“The firefighters attending gave her oxygen therapy for smoke inhalation, and she was subsequently removed to hospital for further investigation.”

The woman is not thought to have been seriously affected by the smoke and was expected to be allowed away from hospital later today.

The fire was extinguished shortly after 7am, and the senior firefighter said they believed the fire had been started accidentally.