Posted: Tuesday 16 April 2019, 15:53
On Friday 26 October 2018, Firefighters attended a house fire on Shaw Street West, Ilkeston where tragically six year old Riley Jackson lost his life.
Yesterday Officers from the Service attended the inquest into Riley’s death, giving evidence about the fire investigation and the cause of the fire.
In summing up, Dr Robert Hunter, senior coroner for Derbyshire, recorded a verdict of accidental death as a result of the fire which was caused by a halogen bulb coming into contact with combustible materials. Dr Hunter issued a rule 28 report under section 28 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013 in accordance with a duty, under paragraph 7(1) of Schedule 5 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, to make a report to set out the concerns and request that action should be taken to prevent other deaths.
Speaking following the hearing, Prevention Area Manager Rob Taylor said: “This was a devastating fire, causing the death of Riley, a six year old described by his mother as a loving and happy little boy. Our thoughts remain with his family as they continue to come to terms with Riley’s death
“Following the inquest and the Coroners rule 28 notice, our aim now is to raise awareness regarding the temperatures that halogen bulbs burn and ensure people are aware of the potential fire hazard lamps with halogen bulbs pose if they fall over and come into contact with combustible materials.”
Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to issue the following fire safety advice and information:
- LED bulbs burn at significantly lower temperatures than halogen bulbs (which can reach up to 200 degrees).
- Always use a lampshade on lamps.
- Ensure lamps are placed on a stable surface and can’t be knocked over.
- Ensure wires and cables aren’t stretched across the floor and that they don’t present a trip hazard.
- Consider where lamps are placed in children’s bedrooms, including the proximity of combustible materials, especially if they like to make dens.
- Ensure the immediate area around a lamp is kept clear.
- Replace halogen bulbs with LED bulbs.
For more information about keeping safe in the home, visit www.derbys-fire.gov.uk