A middle-aged Redditch man told police that he set fire to carpet at his flat as a "cry for help", Worcester Crown Court heard.
Raymond Parker had burns to his arms and was a danger to others because his flat in Bromsgrove Road was on the top floor, said Miss Samantha Crabb, prosecuting.
Parker (55), now living in Loxley Close, Church Hill, pleaded guilty to arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered.
Tim Sapwell, defending, said Parker was now being supervised by his sister-in-law and regularly taking his medication. He had not appreciated the risk he had posed to others.
Judge Michael Mott deferred sentence until December 16 for a report by the probation service.
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