Warning issued over smoking in bed after Southport man dies in flat fire

Warning issued over smoking in bed after Southport man dies in flat fire

Firefighters were called to a fire at a flat on Gordon Street in Southport just before 1.45pm on Saturday, October 29.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service received the call at 1.38pm and crews were on scene at 1.44pm.

Two fire engines attended the incident, together with the Incident Investigation Team.

A fire that had occurred in a bedroom of the property at some time previously was already out when fire crews arrived.

A 45-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene by paramedics.

A joint investigation in to the cause of the fire and subsequent loss of life will now be carried out by Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and Merseyside Police.

UPDATED 11.39am 31.10.16 A full investigation has been carried out in to the cause of the fire which occurred at Gordon Street in Southport.

Incident Investigators at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service have concluded that the cause of the fire was suspected accidental ignition due to carelessly-discarded smoking materials.

We urge everyone to never smoke in bed, always use an ashtray and to take care when emptying the contents.

People should make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished and empty ashtrays immediately before leaving their property or going to bed.

Ashtrays should be stable and made of a material that won’t burn and people should take extra care when smoking if they are tired, taking prescription drugs or if they have been drinking.

Matches and lighters should be kept out of children’s reach and lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes should never be left unattended.

At least one working smoke alarm should be installed on every floor of your property and tested regularly; they will provide vital extra seconds to help you make a safe exit.

In case of a fire we advise people to get out, stay out and call the Fire & Rescue Service out.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service will be carrying out a reassurance campaign in the Southport community in the forthcoming days following this tragic fire.

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life.

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