House fire a "terrible reminder" of need for working smoke alarms

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue investigation officer Graham Toms, spoke out after the inquest today of Ian Jennings (61) who perished to death in a ferocious fire at his home on Pinfold Close, Tickhill on October 17.

The inquest at Doncaster Coroners’ Court heard bed-bound Mr Jennings would smoke roll-up cigarettes in his bed and would often keep a cigarette lighter on himself.

Mr Toms said the fire was likely to have been caused by a naked flame from the lighter catching fire to a tissue or bedding. 

The inquest heard the fire spread quickly due to the many accelerants in the room and caused the downstairs windows to explode and the ceiling to collapse.

His wife Olive Jennings managed to escape from the property.

Investigators found no evidence of working smoke alarms in the home.

Speaking after the inquest, fire investigation officer Graham Toms, said: “This was a severe house fire which tragically resulted in Mr Jennings losing his life and our thoughts are with his family at what remains a very sad time.

“The incident is also another, terrible reminder of the dangers associated with smoking in bed.

“We found no evidence of working smoke alarms in the property.

“Whilst we will never know whether smoke alarms would have made a difference at this incident, smoke alarms do give you vital extra seconds to escape by giving you an early warning of a fire in your home.

“Please, please make sure you have smoke alarms on every level of your home and to test them regularly.”

A verdict of accidental death was recorded by Doncaster Coroner Ms Nicola Mundy.

Read the full inquest report in this Friday’s Advertiser.