Heat packs cause of fire
Woman, 90, killed by igniting bags
WEST Moonah woman Phyllis Pears was 90 years old when she succumbed to a fire that engulfed her home, after a stack of microwave wheat bags burst into flames.
On Tuesday, Coroner Andrew McKee handed down his findings following the May 2019 tragedy, finally revealing the identity of the Springfield Avenue victim.
Mr McKee said anyone who owned a wheat bag but didn’t have instructions for their safe use should immediately stop using them.
Mrs Pears, who had been a schoolteacher at Springfield Gardens, Bridgewater and St Therese’s primary schools, was living independently at home while her husband was cared for in a nursing facility.
She was visited by several family members most days.
On the day before her death, Mrs Pears was at home with her carer when she had a medical event and was transported to the Royal Hobart Hospital by ambulance.
Then on May 29, her carer collected her at hospital and brought her back home – after which she was visited by her granddaughter- in- law.
The younger woman left about 1.45pm.
About half an hour later, Mrs Pears’ neighbour heard the sound of breaking glass and walked outside to see the kitchen window had shattered, flames were inside and black smoke was billowing.
He immediately phoned for help but Mrs Pears was found dead in her kitchen.
Mr McKee said Mrs Pears had been heating wheat packs when the fire started.
He said the fire investigator found wheat bags stacked on a chair. Due to being piled, the wheat bags weren’t able to release their heat and caused a small isolated fire.
The investigator said Mrs Pears was either attempting to put out the fire, or leaning over the bags when they combusted, causing her clothing to catch fire.
“According to the Tasmania Fire Service website, wheat bags have been responsible for causing a number of house fires,” Mr McKee said.
He suggested anyone without instructions stop using wheat bags immediately, and recommended members of the public consult a fact sheet prepared by the TFS before heating them.