Blaze that killed couple caused by candle

A FATAL fire in Kirkby-in-ashfield was accidental.

An inquest was held into the deaths of Paul and Jayne Foster, with Gordon Clow, assistant coroner for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, concluding on Monday that the fire was caused by accidental ignition from a candle.

The incident took place on January 29, shortly before 7pm. A passer-by called emergency services after noticing the fire at the Fosters’ home in Forster Street.

Firefighters reported a severe fire that had spread throughout the property.

The couple were discovered in the kitchen and, despite resuscitation efforts, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Clow said: “On January 29, 2022, Mr and Mrs Foster lit a candle in their bedroom and shut the door to the room. The candle set a fabric cover alight and caused a major fire to develop in their bedroom, without their knowledge, within a few minutes.

“Some minutes later the door to the bedroom fell outwards as a result of the build-up of fire and super-heated smoke. That smoke then engulfed the property within seconds, overcoming Mr and Mrs Foster who were in the kitchen at the other end of their small property.

“This resulted in their very quick loss of consciousness.

“The alarm was raised by a passer-by and the fire service attended.

“Unfortunately, it was too late to save the lives of Mr and Mrs Foster.

“There were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire and there was no third-party involvement.

“I’d like to report my thanks to the brave young person who made the initial 999 call. He should be commended for his efforts.”

Mr Clow ruled that the medical cause of death for Paul Foster was carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation, with a secondary cause of ischaemic heart disease.

He ruled that Jayne Foster’s medical cause of death was smoke inhalation injury, with a secondary cause of ischaemic heart disease.

Chris Emmott, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager and Fire Investigation Officer, said: “This was a tragic incident that sadly resulted in the loss of two lives. My thanks go out to the attending crews and Joint Fire Control operators for their quick work.”