A HOUSEBOUND pensioner died of horrific burns in a fire started by an illicit cigarette, an inquest heard.

Barbara Rankilor was unable to move from her chair which caught fire after she dropped her cigarette into a wicker basket full of magazines and discarded kitchen roll, Dorset Coroner Sheriff Payne was told.

Now fire safety officers have warned the public they are putting themselves and others at risk if they smoke cigarettes which do not meet EU standards.

The coroner was told that full-price cigarettes have safety features built into them which ensure they go out if they are dropped or discarded.

Cheaper, illegal cigarettes burn faster and hotter and do not have the capability to self-extinguish, the inquest heard.

Fire safety officers said it is possible that the fire would still have happened with full-price cigarettes but Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service investigation officer Sean Frampton said: “The likelihood would have been reduced.”

Miss Rankilor, 75, who was immobile following a stroke, was unable to move when flames spread to her chair in the blaze at her home in Cranleigh Road, Bournemouth on Sunday November 8 last year, the inquest was told.

She suffered 70 per cent burns to her limbs, abdomen and face and died of her injuries.

The Bournemouth inquest heard that neighbours attempted to reach Miss Rankilor when a fire alarm activated just before 4.30pm and they heard cries for help but they were unable to get to her due to heat and smoke.

Emergency services were called and she was located by fire crews and taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital where she died the same day.

Fire Safety Manager for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, Stuart Granger, said: “Unfortunately Miss Rankilor’s death could have been prevented. She was smoking a cigarette which does not comply with EU law and therefore did not have the capability to self-extinguish.”

He said EU compliant cigarettes have what is called reduced ignition propensity and added: “Non-reduced ignition propensity cigarettes can burn faster and hotter – if they are dropped they can start a fire very quickly. If you are buying these cigarettes you are putting yourself and others at risk.”

The inquest heard Miss Rankilor shared the two-bedroom, ground floor flat with her partner, Jean Boardman, who was out at the time of the tragedy.

Miss Rankilor had been visited by carers less than half an hour before the fire.

Mr Payne recorded a verdict of accidental death and added: “Maybe full-price cigarettes might have avoided this happening.”

After the inquest, Miss Boardman paid tribute to Miss Rankilor and said: “She was very popular and knew a lot of people - everyone loved her. She was good at organising things and was very outgoing. I would like to warn people about these cigarettes because we had no idea about the difference.”