Fatal house blaze was started accidentally, say fire investigators

INVESTIGATORS have said a fire at a home in Alton that claimed the life of a woman was started accidentally.

Firefighters from four different stations were scrambled to Castle Hill Road in the Staffordshire Moorlands village, following reports of a blaze at around 10am on December 10.

Paramedics, including an air ambulance, were also sent to the scene where an 88-year-old woman was found deceased.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service - who sent crews from Cheadle, Ipstones, Leek and Longton to the incident - says the blaze started accidentally and was down to the positioning of a halogen heater.

Darren Jackson, station manager at Hanley and Burslem, said: “This was a tragic accident in which sadly a woman lost her life.

“Our thoughts remain with her friends and family at this difficult time.

“A joint fire investigation has taken place with colleagues from Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Fire Service which found that the fire started accidentally and was caused by the accidental misuse of a halogen heater that had been placed too close to combustible items.

“This is a stark reminder of just how much extra danger you can place yourself in by placing combustible items close to heaters unattended.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman previously told Stokeontrentlive said: “We were called to reports of a property fire on Castle Hill Road at 9.59am.

“One ambulance, two paramedic officers, the trust’s Hazardous Area Response Team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

“On arrival we discovered one patient, a woman. Sadly it quickly became apparent nothing could be done to save her and she was confirmed dead at the scene.”

Mr Jackson has also urged residents to make sure they have working smoke alarms. He said: “Ensure smoke alarms are in working order especially during the festive period and thereafter.

“Buying a smoke alarm could help save your home and the lives of you and your family.

“The number of smoke alarms to fit in your home depends on your particular circumstances. Fires can start anywhere, so the more that are fitted, the higher the level of protection.

“For maximum protection, an alarm should be fitted in every room (except bathrooms). You should choose the type most suited to the risk in each room. For minimum protection, the number to be fitted will depend on the type of home you live in.

“If your home is on one floor, one smoke alarm, preferably of the optical type, may be enough to provide you with early warning of a fire.

“If your home has more than one floor, at least one alarm should be fitted on each level. In this case a combination of optical and ionisation alarms, preferably interconnected, will give the best protection.

“Do not fit an alarm in the bathroom, as steam may trigger the alarm.”