A Blackburn man died in a fire that he deliberately started inside his flat, an inquest has heard.
John James Howie, 58, was found dead at his property in Livingstone Road, due to the deep inhalation of fire and hot gases.
At his inquest in Blackburn Town Hall, Coroner Richard Taylor learned that John had a history of alcohol and drug use and was three times over the driving alcohol limit at the time of his death.
An investigation revealed that the incident occurred on October 23, but North West Ambulance Service did not visit the address until October 26.
A statement from Detective Inspector Christopher Wellard explained that police had analysed the scene for any potential third-party involvement due to the suspicious nature of the origin of the fire.
However, CCTV evidence revealed that John had been the only person to enter the house in the days before the incident.
Many cigarette butts were found on the floor of the property, with Jim Stone, from Lancashire Fire and Rescue suggesting that this could have been the cause of the fire and that it had been started accidentally.
However, Mr Stone also outlined how in 2001, John had tried to start a fire deliberately at a previous address and had told firefighters at the time that he had the intention of taking his own life.
He also outlined how furniture had been placed against the door and that fire crews had to physically remove those items to get into the room, indicating that if had accidentally dropped a cigarette he wouldn’t have sealed the area behind him.
John had moved into a care home shortly before his death, something his family said that he had struggled with as he lost some aspects of his independence, and would regularly return back to his flat.
His family explained that it was more likely than not that he did it deliberately and had told them he had 'had enough' a few weeks before the incident.
Coroner Taylor said: “I have a picture of a troubled man, somebody who was vulnerable and was thought best to be in residential care.
“Whilst he was under the influence of alcohol, it wasn’t a huge amount for a habitual drinker and though it may have impaired his decision and the decision that oxygen would not get into the room.”
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In a report produced by Lancashire Fire and Rescue evidence from the high levels of soot suggested there had been a long period of smoking and cooling.
Additionally, all the windows remained intact – meaning the oxygen wasn’t replaced and the fire was starved.
Coroner Taylor recorded the conclusion of suicide.
If you are struggling with your mental health, contact Samaritans on 116 123.
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