Smoke alarms could have saved life: Coroner

A coroner says the "preventable" death of a Rotorua woman highlights the extreme dangers of smoking in bed.

Rotorua coroner Dr Wallace Bain today released his findings from the inquest into the cause of death of 32-year-old Deena Borrell on April 4, 2011. She died from smoke inhalation and extensive burns during a fire at the Clayton Rd home she shared with her family.

Dr Bain said on the evening of the fire Miss Borrell was reported to have gone out and bought cigarettes from the local shop.

Everyone went to bed and a family member later woke to the smell of smoke and saw fire coming from Miss Borrell's bedroom.

Her mattress was on fire with Miss Borrell "standing behind the flames but unable to get out".

"She was screaming for help. Family tried to put the fire out with pots of water but the fire got worse. Everyone got out but Deena."

Police reported Miss Borrell was known to smoke in bed and experts confirmed that's where the fire started.

Dr Bain also noted there were no smoke alarms in the house.

"It is possible that Miss Borrell's life may well have been saved had there been smoke alarms to give an earlier warning of the fire."

He said it was an extremely sad case. The family had only moved into the house about two days before fire.

"The Court describes this as an accident although it is entirely preventable."

Dr Bain said people needed to be more aware of the dangers of smoking in bed and the importance of smoke alarms.