Firefighters say they hope a West Bridgford man’s ‘tragic and devastating’ death from a blaze started by lighting a cigarette in bed will serve as a warning to other smokers.
The flame from a powerful lighter probably caused the incident which fatally injured David Owen, a coroner ruled on Thursday.
Earlier his inquest had been told fire crews were called to Hilton Grange on Monday December, 14, and rescued Mr Owen, 67, from his flat.
He was taken to hospital with serious burns and died of his injuries the following day.
Thursday’s hearing was also told Mr Owen had mobility problems and was unable to walk or get himself out of the bed at the time of the tragedy.
Coroner Mairin Casey returned a conclusion of accidental death.
She said: “Mr Owen had been given advice by the Fire and Rescue Service and provided with fire retardant bedding that he refused to use.”
Picture: The fire broke out at Mr Owen’s flat on Hilton Grange
She also heard evidence from Mr Owen’s carer that she had advised him not to smoke in bed, as well as his social worker and his doctor, but he ignored the warnings.
Ms Casey said: “He was unable, or unwilling, to stop the habit of smoking in his bed and he did not listen to the advice given to him.
“His death was a tragic result of his determination to continue to smoke in bed unsupervised by a carer.”
Fire Investigation Officer Kevin Poxon also said it had been fortunate the fire had not spread far enough to injure other people living in the same flat complex.
Richard Melanaphy, head of fire protection at Notts Fire and Rescue Service said after the hearing at Nottingham Council House: “What happened last year was a tragedy and our thoughts are with the family at this tough time.
“As Ms Casey noted during the hearing, we did attempt to help Mr Owen and we are determined to continue to work with other vulnerable people to stop incidents like this happening again in the future.
“This case shows once again just how much devastation fire can cause and, off the back of this, we would really like people to take note of our advice. It is really dangerous for people with mobility issues to smoke unsupervised inside their properties.”
He added the service provides free safety advice and smoke alarm fittings.
More information is available on the service website or advice line on 0800 022 3235.
