Bilston woman killed in flat fire caused by cigarette, inquest hears
A fire which killed a woman and her dog in Bilston was caused by a discarded cigarette, an inquest has heard.
Louise Claire Davies was taken to New Cross Hospital with burns following the fire at her home in Green Lanes, Bilston, on February 21.
Ms Davies, 46, was taken to hospital at around 5am but died of her injuries at around 10.40am the same day.
The fire had ripped through the living room of the flat at around 3.30am. Ms Davies' dog died within the property with firefighters recovering the animal from inside.
In total 13 firefighters, in two engines and a brigade response vehicle, were sent to the ground-floor flat.
Fire investigators from West Midlands Fire Service who attended the scene concluded that the fire had been started by a discarded cigarette near to the sofa.
An inquest held at Black Country Coroners Court on Wednesday recorded a conclusion of accidental death. The inquest heard Ms Davies was a single lady and was born in Wolverhampton.
Senior coroner for the Black Country, Zafar Siddique, said: "Ms Davies was admitted to New Cross Hospital, in Wolverhampton, shortly after 5am on February 21, and she passed away at 10.40am that day.
"She was admitted to hospital with burns following a fire at her home address.
"A fire investigator attended the scene and he concluded that the fire was caused by a discarded cigarette by the sofa. It appears Ms Davies attempted to escape the property but was overcome by smoke and fumes – and she collapsed at the scene.
"A post-mortem was carried out and her cause of death was listed as hypoxic brain injury and smoke inhalation.
"I record a conclusion of accidental death."
After recording a conclusion, Mr Siddique offered his condolences to Ms Davies' family.
At the time, neighbours in Green Lanes had spoke of their shock of waking up to see emergency services at the flat. One resident said: "She seems a lovely lady, it is such a shame.
"You could still see the smoke at around 6am. The lady lives on her own and it is so sad about her dog."
Another neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I just heard the fire service turn up at around 2.45am. We have been up all night."
