Pensioner found dead following house fire

Members of the public are being asked to keep an eye on their neighbours at Christmas to help keep them safe from fire.

The appeal follows a fire in Mount Dinham, Exeter, on 10 December, during which firefighters discovered the body of a man.

Three fire crews attended the incident and extinguished the fire. The 89-year-old man was found close to a gas fire in a ground floor lounge.

Investigations are continuing into the incident and a report will be prepared for the Coroner but there have been several fire-related deaths that Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has attended this year where the deceased lived alone.

Group Manager Paul Bray, of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “No one should be worried about calling us for help or on behalf of a person they know or care for.

“We can arrange to visit people’s homes to give advice that will help make them safer, including the fitting of smoke alarms free of charge. But if we don’t know where they are or their circumstances, we can’t help them.

“That’s why we’re asking for the public’s help. If you’re worried about a family member, friend or neighbour, ask if you can call us on their behalf and we will be pleased to help.”

There are many factors which may contribute to a death occurring from fire, and one of the most common is that the deceased lived alone.

If that is combined with one or more other risk factors such as taking medication for health issues, smoking or poor housekeeping, the person is considered to be at a higher risk of experiencing a serious fire.

Group Manager Bray added: “We’re encouraging people to keep an eye out for their neighbours. If you hear a smoke alarm sounding, don’t ignore it, check from the outside for signs of fire and try to alert the occupier. If you’re concerned about their welfare, call 999.”

To request free home safety advice call Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service free on 0800 05 02 999.

More information about staying safe at Christmas is available here.