Ohio State Fire Marshal Issues Consumer Alert Urging Ohioans Not to Smoke or Use Open Flames While on Home Oxygen Therapy

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As Ohioans dig out from Winter Storm Fern and now face sub-zero temperatures over the next several days, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal has issued a Consumer Alert regarding the danger of smoking or using any kind of open flame while utilizing home oxygen therapy.

The combination of substantial snowfall and the arrival of bitter cold mean more individuals will be staying indoors, possibly when they smoke. This creates a potentially deadly combination, especially when home oxygen therapy is in use. While oxygen itself does not burn, it makes fires ignite faster and burn hotter. A single cigarette near oxygen tubing can ignite a fire that spreads in seconds, setting clothing, furniture, and entire rooms on fire.

"Smoking while using oxygen is a recipe for disaster," said Fire Prevention Bureau Chief Anita Metheny. "During this extreme cold when people are tempted to smoke indoors, we urge everyone to take this warning seriously, especially if you have a loved one at home who utilizes a home oxygen therapy system. This is a good time to also make sure individuals on oxygen have thermal fuses installed on the tubing, so a fire can be stopped in its tracks."

Smoking while on oxygen is one of the leading causes of fatal home fires among oxygen users. Since 2022, smoking-related fires have claimed at least 51 lives in Ohio, most of which involve home oxygen systems.

The best way to stay safe while using home oxygen is to not smoke in the first place. If you do intend to smoke, make sure to first turn off the oxygen completely, remove the cannula, and step outside away from any oxygen equipment. Additionally, oxygen users should keep all open flames such as gas stoves and candles as well as heat sources away from oxygen tubing and tanks. Like cigarettes, these items can easily ignite in the presence of oxygen, creating a dangerous situation in a matter of seconds.

Another key item that can help keep individuals safe is the utilization of thermal fuses on home oxygen systems. When installed on tubing, these small devices will stop the flow of oxygen once a fire is detected, quickly stopping it from spreading further.

There are multiple ways that Ohioans can obtain thermal fuses. Those who are prescribed oxygen should ask the oxygen company to provide the items, or they can visit any medical supply company to learn where they can be purchased, often for less than $10 per fuse. Individuals can also contact their local fire department to see if they have thermal fuses available free of charge. The Division of State Fire Marshal works with many departments around the state to equip them with thermal fuses to install for Ohioans while out on calls.

For more fire safety tips to keep you and your family safe this winter, visit com.ohio.gov/wintersafety.

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CLICK HERE FOR DOWNLOADABLE SOTS ABOUT THERMAL FUSESAnita Metheny (muh-THEE-nee), Fire Prevention Bureau Chief, Division of State Fire Marshal, Ohio Department of Commerce

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About the Division of State Fire Marshal

The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.