New information reveals that medical oxygen fire risk played a significant role in the recent deadly fire at an assisted living facility in Massachusetts. Specifically, the blaze started in a resident’s room on the second floor of the Gabriel House in Fall River. Consequently, officials confirmed the fire claimed 10 lives.
State Fire Marshal Jon Davine held a press conference to update the public. He explained that investigators found no signs of deliberate arson. However, they did discover an oxygen concentrator and multiple smoking materials in the room where the fire started. Therefore, this discovery points to two possible ignition sources: an electrical or mechanical issue with the oxygen device or the unsafe use of smoking materials.
Although the exact cause remains unclear, officials have classified the fire as accidental. Unfortunately, the resident living in the room where the fire ignited is among those who perished. Moreover, the tenth victim, Brenda Cropper, aged 66, died after suffering severe injuries in the fire. Earlier, local authorities had announced her death prematurely.
Furthermore, the state fire marshal emphasized that medical oxygen fire risk often leads to rapid fire spread. He highlighted that home oxygen has been linked to about 20 fire-related deaths and over 30 injuries in Massachusetts during the past decade. In addition, he explained that many such fires involved smoking materials, which remain the leading cause of fatal fires in both the state and the nation.
Davine warned everyone about the dangers of smoking near medical oxygen. He stressed, “No one should smoke around medical oxygen.” Thus, this warning serves as a critical reminder to avoid combining these two hazardous elements.
At the same press event, Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon praised the bravery of first responders. He acknowledged their extraordinary efforts in rescuing many residents from the dangerous blaze. He stated, “They did a job no one should ever be asked to do, and I know they would do it again.”
In conclusion, this tragic event underlines the urgent need for heightened safety measures around medical oxygen. Indeed, the combination of smoking and oxygen can lead to deadly consequences, making awareness and caution essential.
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