Fire that killed Stafford woman started by cigarette
A fire that killed a woman at her home was started by a cigarette, it has been revealed.
Neighbours tried to rescue 53-year-old Alison Hatton, but could not get into the semi-detached property in Stafford due to thick black smoke.
An investigation has revealed the blaze at the house in Tamar Grove last Wednesday was started by a cigarette that had dropped onto the settee and started smouldering.
The flames soon spread through the ground floor.
The victim is believed to have been an employee of Entrust in Stafford - the joint venture between Staffordshire County Council and Capita which runs the authority's education services.
Fire investigation officer Brian Griffiths said it was 'a tragic accident that sadly is becoming all too common' and added: "We cannot stress enough to smokers the importance of ensuring they handle and dispose of their cigarettes safely because as this incident has highlighted the consequences can be devastating.
"We'd urge all smokers to ensure that they fully put out their cigarettes when they've finished with them and use a heavy ashtray on a flat surface. Never light up in bed and avoid smoking when you're tired as it is very easy to fall asleep whilst your cigarette is still burning."
