FIRE-fighters investigating a "shocking" spate of deaths in domestic blazes say cigarettes were a factor in the majority of them.

In the past two months, five people have died in fire-related incidents in Dorset - the same number as in the previous three years put together.

Dorset fire chiefs admit they are shocked by the "regrettable" deaths and say the victims have been mainly vulnerable, lonely people. One of the fires is thought to have started from an electric heater, but "smoking materials" were thought to be a factor in most cases.

Darran Gunter, Dorset's chief fire officer, said: "We found most of the people lived alone and relied on, or needed, the support of other individuals or agencies.

"Smoking materials were found to be involved in the majority of the cases.

"It is the time of year when it is cold and these people become isolated.

"They want to stay warm and like their creature comforts, such as smoking." Some of the victims were also found to have been intoxicated and placed themselves in "extreme danger" by smoking, said Mr Gunter.

Only one of the properties involved in the five fires was found to have a working fire alarm.

Mr Gunter admitted Dorset Fire and Rescue, along with other agencies, were responsible for educating the public in fire safety measures.

"The message for us as a service and the rest of society is how we work together to look after these vulnerable groups," he said.

"It is about educating not only these people, but their friends and family."

Smoking was also implicated in the death of another man who died at his flat in Wareham in November.

Figures obtained by the Daily Echo under the Freedom of Information Act show:

  • There were no fire-related deaths in Dorset in 2006-07, just two in 2005-06 and three in 2004-05.
  • Of the eight fire-related deaths in the county since 2002, smoking has been a factor in half.
  • More than half of the eight victims since 2002 have been aged 56 and over.