A fire which killed an Old Basford woman known locally as ‘The Sweet Lady’ was probably caused by a candle which fell from a table, and inquest ruled.
Assistant Coroner Miss Amanda Cranny ruled that Sheila Jackson, 81, died of carbon monoxide poisoning following the fire at her of Wilton Terrace home on December 14.
Neighbours said Mrs Jackson, 80, was also known as ‘The Sweet Lady’ for often standing on the street to hand out sweets to passing school children.
Emergency services found her collapsed inside the house after being called by concerned neighbours.
Firefighters from West Bridgford and Stockhill stations found ‘significant damage’ to the kitchen where the fire had burnt itself out.
Miss Cranny heard evidence at Nottingham Coroner’s Court that Mrs Jackson often used candles, and that the most likely cause of the fire was a candle or match falling underneath the kitchen dining table, where it then ignited other materials.
The court at Nottingham Council House was told Mrs Jackson was a much-loved member of the community and that neighbours dialled 999 after noticing she was not following her usual daily routine.
Delivering a narrative conclusion Miss Cranny said: “I note that Mrs Jackson was a very independent minded woman who lived life the way she wanted with the support of a caring family and neighbours who looked out for her.
“I would like to express my thanks to the neighbours who raised the alarm and attempted to gain entry to the house, and it is nice to see in this day and age that there are people caring for others in the community.
“My condolences to Mrs Jackson’s family and friends and neighbours in her community in which I am sure she will be missed.”
At the time neighbour Linda King, who knew Mrs Jackson through staying with her partner on the street, said: “She’d stand just there [on the corner of Wilton Terrace and Wallis Street] and give every single child that came past a sweetie.
“She opens her curtains at six every morning. That morning they were still closed so we knew something was up.
“She will be so missed by everyone around here. Everyone knew her and some of us did bits of shopping for her.”
Station Manager Tom Clark said: “On behalf of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Mrs Jackson.
“As the ruling of this inquest shows, sadly, fire can have fatal consequences and we would like to remind everyone of the importance of using candles safely and ensuring that these are extinguished after use.
“If you are lighting candles regularly, please make sure that you are using candle holders and ensure that you never leave these unattended.”
People concerned about fire safety in the home, either for themselves, a loved one or neighbour, can contact their local fire station to request a free home safety check which will assess potential risks and fit smoke alarms if needed.
