A MOTHER died in a house fire that may have started after she fell asleep while smoking.

Rhiannan Harrison, 30, was found unconscious in the kitchen of her home in Grampian Road, Billingham, near Stockton, by firefighters.

Despite efforts to resuscitate her on her front lawn, the mother-of-one died.

Teesside Coroner’s Court heard she had been upset after she was contacted by her former husband and that she had a minor row with her boyfriend on the morning of the fire.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Ms Harrison, who was being treated for alcohol problems, was four times the drink-drive limit.

Pathologist Jan Lowe said: “The effects of this level of alcohol would be delayed reflexes, co-ordination problems and sleepiness. This could account for her confusion and inability to take action.”

Ralph Nicholson, a station manager for Cleveland Fire Brigade, said Ms Harrison suffered burns to her face and arms that could have been as a result of trying to escape the flames.

He said the slow-burning fire appeared to have started on a sofa, where investigators discovered a partially drunk bottle of vodka and a packet of cigarettes with one missing.

His investigation identified two scenarios – that Ms Harrison, who had previously threatened to burn her house down, deliberately started the blaze, or that she had fallen asleep while smoking.

Neighbours raised the alarm after they saw flames in the front room at about 11am on Friday, April 10, last year.

Neighbour Bryan Moore said he tried to search the house for occupants, but was forced back by the heat and smoke.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Michael Sheffield said: “I am satisfied that with that alcohol level, she was not capable of starting the fire intentionally.”

Last night, her sister Hollie spoke of the devastation the death has had on the family and Ms Harrison’s daughter, Sophie, ten, who she is helping to care for.

She said: “There are no words to me that even come close to the utter devastation of losing my sister in such a sudden and horrific way.

“I have gathered the strength to get through this from the love of my children and indeed stayed strong for my sister’s daughter, Sophie.”