- Department of Fire Services
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Jake Wark, Public Information Officer
WEST SPRINGFIELD — A Riverdale Street resident was seriously injured in a fire that started with smoking materials and home oxygen, said West Springfield Fire Chief Christopher J. Bartone and State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.
“There’s no truly safe way to smoke, but smoking on home oxygen is especially dangerous,” said Chief Bartone. “If you or someone you love uses home oxygen, please don’t smoke.”
The West Springfield Fire Department responded to an apartment building at 2071 Riverdale Street early this morning for a report of a fire. One resident, a man in his 70s, was injured and transported for medical care.
West Springfield fire investigators and State Police assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office determined that the fire started in the man’s bedroom. Based on an examination of the scene and witness interviews, they determined that it was accidental and the result of smoking on home oxygen.
“Fires will start easier, grow faster, and burn hotter in an oxygen-rich environment,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “Medical oxygen can saturate the user’s hair, clothing, and bedding, putting them at great risk for severe injury.”
On average, three to five Massachusetts residents die each year in fires involving smoking and home oxygen. More than a dozen people perished last year, including 10 residents at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River.
The Department of Fire Services offers educational brochures on home oxygen fire safety for patients, clinicians, and caregivers in five languages. Visit the DFS website to download and share them.
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