The body of a man and his pet dog were found in his home four days after a fire broke out there.
Emergency services believe the 77-year-old was overcome by the smoke after trying to tackle the blaze at his Cheddleton, Staffordshire, home on October 7.
There were no working smoke alarms in the house to alert anyone else to the blaze.
The alarm wasn’t raised until four days later, when firefighters made the discovery.
An ambulance was called to the scene where it confirmed a death at the address, Stoke on Trent Live reported.
Authorities have raised concerns the fire was the man’s only source of heat.
Fire investigation officer Ian Read said: “This tragedy is a stark reminder for people to have smoke alarms in their home and to always get out and stay out if they have any kind of fire in their home.
"It also highlights the need for people to take care with open fires, keep a fireguard in place, use appropriate fuel, make sure flammable items are away from the flames, and keep a safe distance away.
“It would appear this fireplace was the man’s main source of heat which is concerning to us."
Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service went to the property at around 7pm on October 11.
