The family of a three-year-old boy, who died in a fire last year, have spoken of their “relief to finally have answers” after an inquest was concluded last week.

An inquest into the sad death of Zac Michael Harvey, who died of smoke inhalation in a caravan fire on 19 January 2020, was held on 19 October.

The toddler was sleeping with his father, Shaun Harvey, and his brother, Harley, when the caravan, in Ffair Rhos, Ceredigion, went up in flames.

When Shaun woke to the inferno, he managed to get Harley, who was left with a slim chance of survival, out.

But unfortunately, when he went back for Zac, “it was too late”.

Coroner Peter Brunton said Zac died as a result of misadventure.

The inquest heard the fire was likely started by an electric fan heater, according to fire service investigator Christopher Howells.

It was also revealed Shaun told Dyfed Powys Police he had used a heater, but believed it had been switched off before going to sleep.

Speaking to the Cambrian News after the inquest, Zac’s mother, Erin Harvey, said: “At the inquest we found out it was the electric fan heater that caused the fire as it was on.

“They said something combustible will of either come into contact with the heater or been in front of the heater.

“The coroner stated that this wasn’t an accident, in that accidents are out of control, and this could have been prevent. So he recorded it as misadventure.

“Shaun’s family and their friends had been having a party in the house and drinking. All the electrics in the house tripped and went off, and that’s how people in the house were made aware of the fire as their music went off.

“Shaun ran into the house carrying Harley and shouting for help. Then when he tried to go back out of the caravan it was too late, and the fire was too big for anyone to go back into.”

While the inquest was “tough”, Erin said it was a “relief to finally have answers”.

“It was a tough day but I’m glad we got there in the end,” she said.

“I was expecting to never have answers. So I’m grateful that we did get them.”

Despite sustaining life changing burns from the fire, Harley, 6, has managed to make an “incredible” recovery and has gone on to raise over £15,000 for charity.

Erin added: “In the beginning it was hard to see how effected he was.

“But he’s doing so well, he doesn’t wake up with nightmare anywhere near as often as he did. He’s had great support from the team down in Swansea.

“Honestly you wouldn’t believe what he’s been through if you met him. He’s incredible.

Erin said they are hoping to hold another fundraising challenge next year, but “haven’t decided what to do yet”.