A MAN who “did not believe in electricity” died in a fire after using candles for heat, an inquest heard yesterday.

Charles Julian Koenig, 74, was found unconscious in his home in Marlborough Road, Oxford by firefighters on December 27.

The former civil servant, who was known as Julian rather than Charles, was pronounced dead at John Radcliffe Hospital.

Firefighter Mark Ames told Oxford Coroner’s Court the blaze destroyed the contents of Mr Koenig’s bedroom.

He thought the fire had been started by a candle.

Although the candle was never found, Mr Ames said his team found a tealight in a clay pot on the ground floor, a method commonly used to heat small rooms.

Coroner Darren Salter said Mr Koenig lived in an unconventional way and his only electrical appliance was a fridge.

He said: “He didn’t believe in electricity and only used candles in the house.”

The court also heard Mr Koenig, who lived alone, was reluctant to co-operate with authorities despite mental health problems.

The last person to see him alive was Beaumont Street medical centre’s Dr Matthew Easdale, who visited on Christmas Eve.

Mr Koenig had complained of a persistent cough and Dr Easdale went to his house.

He said: “Mr Koenig was living in relative social isolation. I agreed to treat him with antibiotics and I advised him to call me on Monday if he was still struggling.”

Dr Easdale said Mr Koenig showed him a French anatomy certificate he earned in the 1990s and asked if he could post a Christmas card to him.

Mr Koenig also showed him a religious pamphlet. Then the doctor left.

Dr Easdale said Mr Koenig never smoked, drank about two units of alcohol a week, but had mental health issues.

However he was deemed to have the mental capacity to live alone and did so.

The case has led Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to review the way it identifies vulnerable people who may need assistance.

Station manager Mr Ames told the court: “The current approach to reaching the most vulnerable people in relation to fires is targeting people known to Oxfordshire County Council’s adult social care team, but Mr Koenig was not.

“Adult social care did not notify us about Mr Koenig or we would have visited.”

He added that visiting may not have had much effect on Mr Koenig.

Mr Ames added: “We now have an action plan to review relations with adult social care to ensure safer outcomes for people.”

  • Verdict: Accidental death