Michael Hill died in a fire at his home in Brentwood Avenue, Bamford, on 10 May 2021.
However, his inquest heard that it was not possible to say whether the fire had been started deliberately or accidentally.
He died from smoke inhalation.
The origin of the fire was said to have started on the seat of a two seater sofa in his lounge. The Coroner said:
There were a number of combustible materials located in the origin of the fire including books and paperwork. The most likely cause of the fire was naked flame ignition of these combustible materials. However, it was not possible to determine whether this was a deliberate or accidental ignition of the combustible materials. The fire investigator was able to rule out all other causes of ignition such as electrical causes.
A narrative conclusion was recorded at his inquest.
Michael Hill had been a retired welder.
