Chattanooga, TN – According to the CFD officials, woman reportedly sustained burns late Friday night after an apparent mishap while smoking in bed while on oxygen.
At 11 PM on July 12, 2024, Chattanooga Fire Department’s Blue Shift companies responded to an automatic alarm at 500 W Martin Luther Blvd and observed smoke emanating from a resident’s apartment.
Firefighters discovered the victim on the floor and a fire on her bed.
They rescued the woman, who was subsequently transported to the hospital by Hamilton County EMS with burns on her stomach and leg.
The fire was extinguished using water cans. Engine 1, Squad 1, Ladder 1, Engine 17, Engine 12, Ladder 5, Battalion 1, and CFD Investigations were involved in the response.
The Chattanooga Fire Department once again urged the public never to smoke in bed, especially while on oxygen due to the inherent dangers.
Mattresses and bedding can easily catch fire, leading to injuries and damage. There is no safe way to smoke around home oxygen.
Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near, and even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still ignite. When oxygen is used in the home, the amount of oxygen in the air, furniture, clothing, and hair increases, making it easier for a fire to start and spread.