Aged care resident dies after fire – Coroner to probe rare mattress ignition
Emergency services were called just after 11pm on Monday 11 August, after an automatic fire alarm escalated to a building fire, with Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Kandos, Mudgee and Gulgong attending.
The death of an 88-year-old resident following a fire at an aged care home in regional New South Wales is set to be examined by the Coroner, with investigators considering whether a rare static discharge involving a specialised mattress may have caused the blaze.
Charles Frederick Gill died on 12 August 2025, the day after a fire broke out in his room at RSL LifeCare’s Kandos Residential Care Home, known as Ada Cottage, 230km northwest of Sydney.
Emergency services were called just after 11pm on Monday 11 August, after an automatic fire alarm escalated to a building fire, with Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Kandos, Mudgee and Gulgong attending and the sprinkler system helping to extinguish the blaze.
Mr Gill was transferred to hospital that night and died the following afternoon.
Cause under investigation
NSW Police investigated the incident on behalf of the Coroner and advised RSL LifeCare that no electrical fault or fault with the home’s fire prevention systems was identified.
Following the conclusion of the police investigation, RSL LifeCare commissioned an independent specialist fire forensic scientist to examine the cause of the fire.
According to the provider, the expert found the fire was most likely caused by a static discharge involving a pressurised air mattress used as part of Mr Gill’s clinical care – an ignition source described as extremely rare. The incident has been reported to the mattress manufacturer.
RSL LifeCare said it immediately reported the incident to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) and NSW Police and has undertaken both an internal review and ongoing engagement with regulators and suppliers.
Coronial process underway
Mr Gill’s death has since been formally reported to the Mudgee Coroners Court, where an inquest has been opened. The court is awaiting the police brief of evidence, with no hearing dates yet scheduled.
In a statement, RSL LifeCare said it would not speculate while the coronial process is underway and will continue to cooperate fully with the Coroner.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Gill’s family, and we continue to support our residents and team members who were impacted by this tragic event,” the provider said.
Regulator monitoring
A spokesperson for the ACQSC said it was aware of the incident and reminded providers of their obligations to protect residents from harm and respond quickly to prevent recurrence.
“If we have concerns that a provider has not met their obligations, or has placed residents at risk, we will take further action,” the spokesperson said.
RSL LifeCare said its internal review had identified opportunities to strengthen systems and processes – unrelated to the cause of the fire – including reviewing equipment handling policies, enhancing emergency planning and training, and sharing learnings with suppliers and regulators.
