Kenneth George Bailey · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 27th March 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Kenneth George Bailey dob 11th December 1950. The investigation concluded on the 9th July 2015 and the conclusion was one of Accidental death. The medical cause of death was 1a Smoke Inhalation 1b. Lung cancer, cerebrovascular disease, fibrotic lung disease (on home oxygen).

The deceased had been diagnosed with lung cancer and was in a very debilitated condition. He required oxygen at his home to allow daily living. On the 25th March 2015 he was at home smoking a cigarette when he dropped it or the ash from it, on to a kitchen roll which then ignited leading to a significant house fire. He died as a result of inhaling significant quantities of acrid smoke.

During the course of the evidence I was told of the efforts of neighbours and others to attempt a rescue, which to some extent they were able to do. One reason for this attempted rescue was because of the time lapse in getting fire appliances to the scene. I was informed that there is a Fire Station in Mossley, Ashton u Lyne, but this is only manned during very limited opening hours.
I was also informed that there is a significant body of volunteers prepared to act as local volunteer fire officers.
Because the fire station was not manned, it took approximately 10 minutes for the fire service to arrive, and whilst this is of course reasonably fast, the local people felt the response time used to be quicker when the local “station” was open.

If there is a delay in the arrival of the emergency services, there is always the danger that unqualified people will try to perform a rescue thus placing themselves in danger of injury or even death.