Smokers are being reminded of the dangers of smoking while intoxicated following the inquest of Sam Smith this week (Tuesday 20 February).
At Ampthill Coroner’s Court, Aliya Rashid, Assistant Coroner of Bedford and Luton, concluded Mr Smith died due to the effects of fire, namely inhalation of fire fumes, and that the death was accidental.
A fire broke out in Mr Smith’s caravan in Kelpie Marine, Great North Road, Sandy, on the evening of 28 October 2023.
A neighbour called 999 on the evening at about 10pm after they saw “an orange glow” coming from Mr Smith’s caravan and thick, heavy smoke.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and on arrival, crews were met with a significant fire in a tow-hitched caravan that was fully developed. Firefighters extinguished the caravan, which was completely destroyed, and sadly discovered Mr Smith had been inside the caravan.
The court heard Mr Smith was intoxicated, having been to the pub after work and bought further alcohol from an off-licence on his way home, that he was tired and was likely to have fallen asleep. A large number of cigarette ends were found at the scene, and there was evidence that suggested Mr Smith may have fallen asleep with a lighter in his hand.
Group Commander Steve Sugars, Fire Investigator, explained his fire investigation concluded the most likely cause of the fire was carelessly discarded smoking materials, or a naked flame.
GC Sugars said: “Our condolences go to the family, friends and neighbours of Mr Smith, who sadly died in these circumstances.
“This is a timely reminder that smoking whilst being intoxicated can carry significant risks. All it takes is for you to drift off to sleep with an alight cigarette in your hand, which can fall and cause whatever it is around you to smolder, for example a sofa or a bed, which will then turn into what could become a devastating fire.
“If you are a smoker, make sure you extinguish cigarettes properly and dispose of the remnants effectively. Most importantly, wherever you live, whether it is a house or a caravan, make sure you have a smoke alarm,”
Mr Smith’s caravan did not have a smoke alarm, and whilst there is no legal requirement for caravans to have smoke alarms, the fire service would always recommend fitting one.
FEBRUARY 2024 LINKS TO THE PAPERS
BEDFORD BOROUGH BULLETIN
https://digital.magmgr.com/Preview/Index/2696089#page/1
KEMPSTON CALLING
https://digital.magmgr.com/Preview/Index/2696145#page/1
BEDS COUNTY BULLETIN
https://digital.magmgr.com/Preview/Index/2696133#page/1
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