A call for vigilance was issued today after five tragic fire-related deaths of pensioners in West Yorkshire in just a fortnight.

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service chiefs are concerned following the recent deaths, all of which involved people aged over 70 and followed house fires.

The cause of three of the fires was smoking-related and three of the five elderly people lived alone.

In Haworth, 88-year-old Bramwell Schofield was rescued from his terraced home but later died. The fire service has revealed that the cause of the fire was smoking materials, most likely to be a pipe.

In Lightcliffe, near Brighouse, 99-year-old Hilda Haigh was rescued from a house in Laburnum Grove and was taken to hospital where she died.

T&A COMMENT: TAKING SOME TIME COULD JUST SAVE A LIFE

Police enquiries are ongoing, but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances at this time. Early indications are that the fire was caused by an electric blanket.

In Lofthouse, a 71-year-old woman died after a fire in her front room, believed to have been started by a dropped cigarette.

In Featherstone, a fire in the living room of a bungalow led to a 77-year-old woman suffering serious burns. She was taken to hospital by ambulance but later died. Again, the cause of the fire is believed to be a dropped cigarette.

In Methley, an accidental house fire in domestic accommodation involved a solid fuel stove. A woman, aged 80, received serious burns after accidentally setting her clothing alight. She was taken to hospital but died just over a week later.

Fire chiefs said experience showed that older people who live alone are more at risk of dying in a fire in the home.

Area Manager for Fire Safety Ian Bitcon said: “These deaths have been tragic and our condolences are extended to the loved ones and friends of the individuals who have lost their lives.

"I’m sure communities across West Yorkshire have been left shocked and saddened by them and we wish to raise awareness of how we can all protect older people.

“Unfortunately being elderly brings with it particular risks which mean you are much more likely to die from a fire in the home.

“We want families, friends, neighbours and anyone who interacts with older people, such as social groups, care workers and health workers, to be aware of the dangers and to alert the fire service so we can carry out a home visit to give tailored advice.

“If you are looking after an elderly person, keep an eye on accumulating clutter in the home as this can be a fire risk. Be aware that older furniture may not conform to standards and in many cases is not fire retardant.

“Older people tend to be more likely to use electric blankets but it’s important to ensure that they are serviced and well maintained as they can also be a fire risk.

“Loose fitting clothing can be easily set alight whilst cooking or lighting stoves. Also, if someone is a smoker and uses emollient creams to moisturise the skin then it may be better to use a water-based product rather than an oil-based cream as they can be flammable.

“Another issue which is very much on the fire service’s agenda is keeping people suffering with dementia safe from fire. It is possible that people with dementia may revert to old habits, such as smoking, which they used to do much earlier in life. However, they may not have the same level of vigilance around smoking safely.

“Fire service employees are trained to recognise symptoms of dementia and can give advice on how to keep people living with the condition safe in their homes.

6 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT ELDERLY RELATIVES, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS

1) Drop in on neighbours and family members

2) Keep your eyes peeled for the risks – they are not always obvious

3) Don’t turn a blind eye

4) Carers, health and social workers – be vigilant to the risks in the home and signpost to the fire

service

5) Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly

6) Establish an escape plan – taking into consideration mobility issues