The cause of a fatal fire on Aspley Court, Sutton-in-Ashfield, was determined at an inquest earlier this week.
The inquest, which took place at Nottingham’s Coroner’s Court, heard how Mr John Burke died following a fire in his flat.
Firefighters from Ashfield and Mansfield Fire Station attended the incident on 19 February 2024, following a call at 19:11. Unfortunately, Mr Burke was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Assistant Coroner for Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire, Ms Gingell, concluded that the most probable cause of the fire was accidental.
Ms Gingell said: “I would like to start by offering my personal and sincere condolences to Mr Burke’s family – I am extremely sorry for their loss.
“Mr Burke was a 72-year-old gentleman at the time he died and was bedbound due to ill health.
“Shortly after 7 pm on 19 February 2024, while using a lighter to light a hand-rolled cigarette in bed, Mr Burke dropped the lighter, which ignited his bedding.
“Mr Burke sadly died from an acute cardiac event, which was contributed to by inhalation of carbon monoxide from an accidental fire, as well as other underlying long-term health conditions.”
Fire Investigator and Station Manager Tom Clark said: “We always recommend that smoking outside is safer; however, we recognise this is not always possible. It is vitally important to recognise that smoking indoors, particularly while in bed, always carries an enhanced risk of injury.
“While flame-retardant bedding is available, I would urge people to consider where they smoke, particularly for their loved ones, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable.
“On behalf of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Mr Burke’s family and friends.
“I would like to ask that people use this tragic accident as an opportunity to ensure they have working smoke alarms and that they are tested regularly.”
