A COUNTYWIDE warning has been issued by a coroner today after a reclusive, bedridden Forest of Dean smoker died when her air mattress caught fire and the electric pump fanned the flames.

Pauline Goscombe, 75, of Bridge Walk, Ruardean Hill, Drybrook, had taken to her bed four years ago where she frequently smoked and drank gin, Gloucestershire Coroner's Court was told today.

She had a fan-operated mattress provided by Gloucestershire county council to alleviate pressure sores in September, 2013 as part of a care package and, according to fire station manager John French, it was in good, working order.

But the recluse refused to heed warnings from family members not to smoke in bed and her brother, who lived next-door, provided a sand bucket for her to stub out cigarettes at the side of her bed, the inquest heard.

Said the fire chief in evidence: "The fan-operated mattress was not the cause of the fire as the fire started on the bed itself where there were stacks of newspapers, bedding and clothes – all inflammable.

"But a cigarette may have punctured the mattress and the air would then be pumped out, which in turn could fan the flames and increase the speed and intensity of the fire."

Fire manager French said: "My main worry is that people can buy cheaper models of these beds privately from abroad and not be given warnings and advice, especially smokers."

Mrs Goscomb's brother Harold Beech said, in evidence: "She had a child who sadly died in infancy and her marriage broke down and in latter years my sister had become reclusive.

"She was a heavy smoker and regularly drank gin and the local shops delivered goods to her home.

"Four years ago she took to her bed where she would drink and smoke. We tried to persuade her not to smoke in bed – it was a family fear - but she was adamant so we put a sand bucket by the bed.

"I called on her at 9am on January 15 and she was fine but at 6pm a carer called and found the house full of smoke.

"She was found dead in bed."

A post mortem concluded that death was due to the inhalation of smoke, although the body was badly burned and a toxicology report confirmed alcohol abuse.

Assistant coroner for Gloucestershire David Dooley said: "There should be proper assessment as to who should be given these beds as they may not be appropriate for smokers.

"If they are provided by the county council then I am sure the appropriate advice and warnings will be given but people who buy them privately should be warned."

Mr Dooley instructed coroner's officer Terry Onions to report "an adverse incident" to the Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency A conclusion of accidental death was recorded.