A cannabis smoker caused a tower block to be evacuated when he “passed out” and started a fire in his bedroom. Neighbours, including a woman and her one-year-old daughter, fled as the blaze broke out on the 14th floor.
Flat destroyed in December blaze
Jet Li Pentecost, 20, admitted culpably and recklessly starting the fire that destroyed his flat in Calder Court, Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, on December 19 last year.
Airdrie Sheriff Court heard 32 fire appliances were deployed and damage to the building amounted to £220,000. Images from the scene showed the blaze engulfing a flat on an upper floor of the apartment block, with flames seen ripping through the interior of the property and pouring from the window.
Residents evacuated
Connor McIntyre, prosecuting, said a fire alarm went off at 6.15am and neighbours spotted smoke in the common close. He told the court: “A witness alerted other neighbours, shouting ‘Fire’. Witnesses saw the accused standing at the door of his property, holding a duvet with burn marks on it. They noticed flames coming from a bedroom.”
Residents were evacuated, including one who had to be rescued from his flat by firefighters using breathing apparatus. Two people were taken into the care of ambulance crews at the scene but all residents ultimately escaped the fire unhurt.
Pentecost admits smoking before passing out
Pentecost told paramedics checking him over that he had tried to put out the fire but “it was too much”. When asked by police officers how the blaze could have started, he replied: “Probably a lit marijuana cigarette.”
Mr McIntyre stated: “He confirmed that he had been watching television and smoking until he passed out. He woke up feeling burning to his foot.”
Pentecost appeared in court with no previous convictions. Sheriff Paul Haran deferred sentence until next month for background and an electronic tagging assessment.
The North Lanarkshire Council-owned tower block is currently the subject of planned refurbishment to improve energy efficiency and enhance fire safety.
