A DISCARDED cigarette may have been to blame for a devastating flat fire that killed a pensioner, an inquest heard.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard how Ian Foley, 74, died in his flat in Ashurst on January 13 following the blaze.

As reported by the Daily Echo, more than 30 firefighters from St Mary’s, Totton and Redbridge fire stations arrived to tackle the flames at the first floor flat in Lyndhurst Road.

Fire investigators could not pin down the exact cause of the fire, but say it was either a discarded cigarette or heat from a portable gas heater.

Floral tributes were left for Mr Foley who was described as well known in the area.

The inquest heard how Mr Foley had been drinking in the Happy Cheese pub, where he was a regular, on January 12.

He had drunk between three and four pints and was seen leaving the premises on CCTV at 10.21pm.

The inquest heard evidence from his neighbour John Blow.

In a statement, neighbour John Blow said he woke up after 2am after hearing crackling, and he could smell smoke. He went outside and saw the fire had taken hold and called the fire brigade at 2:07am just moments after seeing an explosion.

Fire fighters tackled the blaze with water jets, before two firefighters entered the property.

During their first search they could not find Mr Foley, and were pulled out after concerns about the safety of the building.

Mr Foley’s body was found later in the kitchen.

Fire investigator Graham Howlett, said: “It is clear this was a well developed fire especially as crews attended when the roof had already collapsed.”

He could not say when the fire started exactly, but said it was likely to be between midnight and 2.07am.

He said it was likely Mr Foley had gone to the source of the fire, but succumbed to smoke inhalation and fell unconscious in the kitchen.

The fire investigation team found there was a significant amount of “combustible” material in the kitchen and bathroom area, which they say fuelled the growth of the fire.

Investigators also found cigarette butts in the property and the remains of a gas heater in the kitchen.

The remains of a smoke alarm were discovered, but it was badly damaged, and Mr Howlett said he believed it had not been on, or the batteries were not working.

Landlord of the flat Ian Poulter described Mr Foley as the ideal tenant but said that the flat was not regularly inspected and had clutter and dust.

Pathologist Dr Eleanor Jaynes concluded Mr Foley died due to smoke inhalation and burns.

Senior coroner Grahame Short recorded a verdict of accidental death.