Man dies after fire in Stafford home
A man has died after a fire broke out in the living room of a house in Stafford.
Firefighters were called to the house, in Highfields, at 6.45am last Saturday.
Crews entered the home to bring him out but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A fire investigation found the blaze was caused by 'careless disposal of smoking materials' say Staffordshire Fire Service.
Fire investigation officer Dermot Hogan said: “This is an extremely tragic incident which may have been avoided and our thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time.
“If you are a smoker please ensure you dispose of the materials correctly in an appropriate ashtray and ensure that any cigarettes or cigars are completely out.
"Avoid smoking in bed or when you have been drinking, as your attention won’t be as focused on your safety.”
The death was shortly followed by a similar fire in Stoke on the same day.
During this second fire an elderly woman escaped the fire uninjured.
She was given oxygen therapy at the scene for shock but her two budgies died during the fire.
The service is reminding residents of the SAME campaign which highlights the four factors that increase the likelihood of dying in a fire. These are smoking, alcohol, mobility issues and being elderly.
For more information on the SAME campaign visit the website or call the Service’s free Community Advice Team on 0800 0241 999.
