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A solicitor died in an ‘incredibly’ fast moving house fire sparked by a candle as she tried to save her five beloved dogs, an inquest has heard.
Lynda Greenwood, 67, died from smoke inhalation in the ‘inferno’, which ripped through her village home in Brearton near Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, on the evening of April 2.
She’d been chatting with her sister-in-law on her iPad until 9.21pm in an upstairs room and by 10.05pm, when neighbours called 999, the entire house was alight.
The inquest heard she had earlier lit a candle given to her as a gift while her daughter Camilla was visiting the house – and this caused the blaze.
Ms Greenwood’s body was found on the ground floor of the home, beside a door leading to the kitchen.
She ignored a closer exit in order to attempt to save her four Yorkshire terriers and a Romanian rescue dog, who were trapped in another room at the other end of the house.
Lynda Greenwood, 67, died from smoke inhalation in the ‘inferno’, which ripped through her village home in Brearton near Knaresborough, on the evening of April 2
Two neighbours managed to enter the conservatory area and rescue three of the dogs.
There were initially questions as to whether one of the dogs had knocked the candle on the coffee table, but this was quickly ruled out.
Investigators concluded it was more likely that a draught from the doorway had wafted something flammable, such as paper, into the flame.
Coroner Catherine Cundy, in ruling her death as a tragic accident, said: ‘Lynda had had foot surgery and was in a protective boot, and this could have been a form of encumbrance.
‘Some alcohol was found in her bloodstream consistent with her enjoying a relaxing evening with her daughter, and there could have been some level of disorientation caused by this.
‘I find that the unattended candle was the most likely source of the fire, but a lot of features of this case are difficult to account for. The fire spread incredibly quickly.’
The inquest heard that divorcee Ms Greenwood bought the former bungalow which had been extended, in 2004 and had lived there alone since her daughter moved out and her parents, who lived in a garden annexe, died in 2021.
The fire was the second at the property after a blaze started by a faulty boiler damaged the kitchen, which had to be rebuilt, in 2016.
Ms Greenwood was a well known businesswoman in her local community.
She’d been chatting with her sister-in-law on her iPad until 9.21pm in an upstairs room and by 10.05pm, when neighbours called 999, the entire house was alight
Her daughter Camilla, who also went on to become a lawyer and is now director of her late mother’s firm, said she was ‘not really a fan’ of candles and normally did not appreciate receiving them as gifts.
She described her as ‘capable, intelligent, energetic and organised’.
Camilla said she was inspired by her mother to enter the legal profession, but wanted to forge her own path.
Taking over her mother’s business felt like an important way to honour her and the work she’d done for the local community since opening the firm in 1991.
‘Lynda deserves to be celebrated, she lived her life to the fullest every single day,’ the firm said in a statement. ‘[She] touched the hearts of everyone who met her.’
The tribute went on to say she was ‘taken from us in the most tragic of circumstances’.
Friends, family and former clients were asked to make a donation to Desperate Dogs Romania in Ms Greenwood’s honour – further highlighting her dedication to animals.
An employee at the organisation said: ‘Lynda Greenwood was a wonderful supporter of Desperate Dogs Romania, she has supported us when times have been tough.’
Mourners were also encouraged to wear blue to her funeral as a sign of respect for her love of the Everton football club.
Harrogate Toffees, an official club for Everton supporters, said Ms Greenwood ‘loved catching the bus to Goodison Park as often as she could. She would return full of joy (regardless of the result).’
Her daughter shared the wonderful experiences she had as a club member over the years, noting: ‘In 2021 Lynda became a season ticket holder. Being an Everton supporter revolutionised her social life and she became blue to the core.
‘Singing football chants around the house, which was accessorised with Everton memorabilia and decorated blue.’
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