Smoking materials are blamed as man of 58 dies in Boxing Day fire
A MAN has died after a serious house fire in Derby that sparked a loud “explosion”, according to witnesses.
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said the 58-year-old victim, so far not named, died at the scene despite managing to get out of the property.
Emergency services were called to Brighton Road, Alvaston, at 10pm on Boxing Day after residents claimed they heard a loud bang.
Firefighters put out the fire and left the scene at around midnight only to return the next morning to carry out a joint investigation with Derbyshire police.
In a statement, the fire service said the house fire was caused by “discarded smoking materials”.
Area manager Roy Reynolds said: “I’d like to extend the thoughts and sympathy of everyone at Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service and, on behalf of our emergency service colleagues, to the family and friends of the deceased at this distressing time.
“When fire crews arrived at the incident the male occupant was already out of the property and in the care of the ambulance service, but sadly he was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
Fire bosses have since warned nearby residents and the wider public in Derbyshire of the dangers of smoking materials in homes and the importance of having working smoke alarms.
Fire service area manager Clive Stanbrook said: “Over the last couple of days firefighters have been in the Brighton Road area of Alvaston speaking to residents about fire safety following a serious house fire on Boxing Day. I’d like to extend that advice to the wider Derbyshire public.
“Working smoke alarms are the most important thing in a home when considering fire safety, they give valuable early warning of a fire, giving you vital extra time to get out of your property and call 999.”