A fire which killed an alcoholic recluse was probably not the first at the terraced house where he lived, an inquest was told.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s Watch Manager Aidan Fortune told the Burnley hearing a settee at the home of Christopher Hornsby (64), of Clayton Street, Colne, bore the hallmarks of old cigarette scars as well as being the seat of a blaze which led to his death.
Mr Hornsby was found dead in the living room of his home following a fire in January.
His ex-partner, Alison Gander, told the inquest Mr Hornsby was in poor health. He had no mains gas or electricity at his home and ate from skips. He had spoken in the past about taking his own life and making it look like an accident.
Mr Fortune said although there had been a fire in the house, it had gone out by the time firefighters arrived. There was fire damage around the settee and a lot of smoke. A smoke alarm in the house was not working.
Pathologist Dr Walid Salman said Mr Hornsby died as a result of smoke inhalation. He had sustained 40% burns to his body and tests showed a level of 48% carbon monoxide in his blood as well as some alcohol.
East Lancashire Coroner Mr Richard Taylor said it was possible Mr Hornsby had fallen asleep and dropped the cigarette, starting the fire.
“There is no evidence to show he started the fire deliberately and it is too simplistic to say it was an accident. We just do not know exactly what happened,” he said.
And therefore Mr Taylor recorded an open verdict on Mr Hornsby’s death.