CARAVAN owners are being warned to take extra care following a fatal blaze in Llangollen last week.
Alan Jones, who was in his 40s and from Whiston, Liverpool, died when fire engulfed a caravan late on Monday February 13 at Abbey Farm, Llangollen.
Gareth Griffiths, senior fire safety manager of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said: “My condolences are with the friends and family of the man who has sadly passed away.
“Fire can strike at any time, anywhere – and it is important we are all on our guard and try to do all we can to keep our loved ones safe.
“Caravans are potentially more hazardous in a fire than a house because they are smaller and more confined – it is essential a smoke alarm is fitted to give an early warning of fire.”
John Gittins, acting North-East Wales coroner, said an inquest for Alan John Jones, 40, was opened and adjourned last week.
He said: “A post-mortem has been conducted by Dr Mared Owen-Casey at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and the cause of death has been deferred until an inquest. The inquest has been adjourned to a date to be fixed.”
Mr Jones’ death has evoked comparisons with a caravan fire in Barmouth last June which resulted in the deaths of Robert Taylor, 58, and his son Andrew, 26, both of Flint.
The fire in Barmouth last June left Emmy Taylor, aged three, in intensive care.
She underwent 33 operations at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital following the blaze at Sunnysands caravan park, but pulled through and was able to spend Christmas at her home in Flint.
Verdicts of accidental deaths were recorded on Robert and Andrew Taylor at an inquest last November.
Coroner Dewi Pritchard-Jones said the Barmouth fire was started by a coiled up extension lead which would have generated heat.
A smoke detector had been fitted in the caravan but did not have a battery.
A spokesman for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of Monday’s blaze remains under investigation.
- Free home fire safety checks are offered by the rescue service to everyone, including caravaners, and officers will install smoke alarms where necessary.
For details contact the free 24-hour hotline on 0800 1691234 or email cfs@nwales-fireservice.org.uk