Fatal Wolverhampton fire started by cigarette
Smokers in the West Midlands are being urged to take extra care following a house fire which killed two men.
Last updated 26th Oct 2021
Fire investigators who examined the scene in Bushbury Lane, Wolverhampton believe that a cigarette ignited a sofa.
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) responded to the fire at 2.03am on Monday 25 October.
Two men in their late forties were rescued, but unfortunately both died.
Pete Wilson, WMFS’s Strategic Lead for Prevention, said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this awful incident. We will be preparing a full report for Her Majesty’s Coroner, but our investigators believe that the fire started when a cigarette ignited a sofa.
“It is a stark and sobering reminder of the fire risks associated with smoking. We are urging all smokers in the West Midlands to take extra care.
“Fires caused by smoking materials such as cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and lighters result in more deaths than any other type of fire. In the five years to March of this year, smoking was a factor in a third of the 51 fire deaths in the communities we serve.
“In the same period, we recorded 613 fires related to smoking in people’s homes. That’s nearly eight per cent of all incidents to which our firefighters responded.
“Of course, we would much rather that people didn’t smoke but do appreciate that many people find it difficult to stop. Advice on giving up is available from the NHS and a range of other organisations, and our firefighters can share valuable safety advice in your home if you request one of our Safe and Well visits.”
In the five years to March 2021, nearly two thirds of smoking-related incidents attended by WMFS started in bedrooms, living rooms or in bins.
Falling asleep contributed to nearly 17 per cent of smoking-related fires in the home and distraction to 12 per cent.