Christchurch man who caught fire while smoking in care facility dies

A Christchurch man has died after he reportedly caught fire while smoking at a residential facility in the city. Photo / 123rf

A Christchurch man has died after he reportedly caught fire while smoking at a residential facility in the city.

The 29-year-old died on January 30, two days after emergency services were called to the fire at the facility in Woodham Rd, Christchurch.

A police spokeswoman confirmed the man died after he "sustained significant burns to his body".

She said the matter has now been referred to the coroner.

Fairfax reported the man, who was living in the NZCare-run facility, for those with Huntington's disease, received severe burns after catching fire while smoking.

Huntington's is a progressive disease that causes a progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It impacts a person's functional abilities and usually causes movement, cognitive [thought] and psychiatric disorders.

Fire investigator Bruce Irvine told Fairfax the main factors of the accident were smoking and the man's choice of clothing.

"There was nothing deliberate about his actions other than he was smoking."

NZCare Disability general manager Vicki Stewart told Fairfax the company was "deeply saddened by this incident" and that support was being given to the family members and affected staff.

"We are working with the New Zealand Fire Service to determine any learnings that can be gained from this tragic incident."