Ohio fire officials are warning residents who use home oxygen systems about the deadly risks of smoking near the equipment.
This also applies to putting oxygen systems near any open flame, including gas stoves.
State Fire Marshal Fire Prevention Bureau Chief Anita Metheny said “Smoking-related fires are the top cause of fire deaths in Ohio, with most involving oxygen systems”.
Fatal fire statistics
Since 2022, 51 people in Ohio have died in smoking-related fires, according to state fire officials.
Most of those deaths resulted from smoking near home oxygen tanks.
“It’s a deadly, deadly act. We don’t want people to smoke on oxygen,” Metheny said. “If they do smoke on oxygen, they have a great chance of perishing in that fire.”
Metheny said as temperatures drop, more people will likely stay inside to smoke and, unfortunately, many continue to smoke while using oxygen.
Oxygen safety warnings
Fire officials are urging Ohioans not to light up or use any open flames anywhere around oxygen equipment.
While oxygen itself doesn’t burn, it makes fires ignite faster and burn hotter.
Thermal fuses can be installed on oxygen tubing to stop the flow of oxygen when a fire is detected.
The devices cost a few dollars and can prevent fires from spreading.
“This device stops the flow of oxygen should that happen,” Metheny said.
How to get thermal fuses
Patients prescribed oxygen can ask their provider if they also supply thermal fuses.
In addition, Sunset Healthcare Solutions and Applied Healthcare Equipment can also supply the devices.
