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Investigation and inquest
On 17 September 2014, an investigation into the death of Christopher John Butler, aged 55, was commenced. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 21 January 2015. The conclusion of the inquest was a narrative verdict.
The deceased died from a combination of smoke inhalation and alcohol intoxication following a fire at his home. The cause of the fire was an overheated electrical cable serving the cooker and single 13amp plug socket. The medical opinion on the cause of death was:
1a) Smoke inhalation and alcohol intoxication.
Other significant conditions contributing to the death but not related to the death or conditions causing it was:
ii) Asthma
Circumstances of the death
The deceased had a previous medical history of alcohol intake above recommended sensible limits, suspected epilepsy and asthma.
On Friday 5 September 2014, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to a house at his home address, being ████████. The fire was believed to have started between 11am and 12pm on that day. Body of the deceased was removed from the premises and death was confirmed by Paramedics at the scene. The degree of intoxication of the deceased at the time would have impaired his ability to recognise the danger of smoke and his ability to escape the fire.
Fire investigation was undertaken and formal evidence provided indicates the cause of the fire appears to be due to an electrical malfunction in relation to the electrical cabling behind the cavity wall and an examination of the inner core of the cable indicated that the cabling through a wooden joist caused the additional insulation of the cable and possible damage due to the acute bend in the wire. This defect in the insulation of the cabling could have been present from the date of construction over 25 years ago.
The property had an old style fuse box and evidence was received that a more modern trip fuse would have more likely prevented the cable overheating to the extent where a fire occurred.
Coroner’s concerns
The fault in the wiring that resulted in this fire may be present in other similar properties within the estate built at the same time. Electric testing will not necessarily reveal this fault. Consideration as to what information and action can be undertaken by the Fire and Rescue Service to alert the local community on this matter.
This issue is brought to your attention for solution.
Information checked against the published report and official responses