Case study 8 - Burns caused by discarded cigarette

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service (HIWFRS) were called to a domestic flat fire at a Portsmouth Sheltered Housing Facility. A fire had started due to a discarded cigarette which had fallen onto a pile of papers on the floor.  

The resident of the property had picked up the burning papers and carried them through to the bathroom to try and stop the fire. – sustaining burns to his hands in the process. When HIWFRS entered the flat the male was located sat in his chair in the living room. ​The fire was fully extinguished, and the male was treated for burns and handed to South Central Ambulance Service for transportation to hospital. ​  

A multi-agency review of this case determined that multi-agency working arrangements had been considered for this gentleman, however they hadn’t been instigated prior to the fire. Key learning and changes were implemented following this case review.