Home Oxygen Therapy Fire Safety Alert 

November 5, 2024 – Tuolumne County, CA – CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras officials issue a safety announcement.

In the last few months, Tuolumne County has seen two tragic fire fatalities and one significant burn injury in homes where medically necessary oxygen was being used. As your local fire departments, we want to ensure that everyone—including family members and visitors to the home—using home oxygen therapy is aware of how to remain safe while using it.

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Oxygen therapy is essential for many, but safety is key! Normal air contains 21% oxygen; however, home oxygen delivers 100% oxygen. The addition of oxygen to normal room air increases the energy, heat release, and severity of any fire in the home. Oxygen may also saturate clothing, bedding, and materials near where the oxygen is in use, increasing their flammability.

Here are crucial tips to keep your home safe while using oxygen:

1. **No Smoking!**
Never smoke or allow others to smoke near you when using oxygen therapy.

2. **Avoid Flammable Products**
Stay clear of oil, grease, and petroleum-based items. These can ignite violently in an oxygen rich environment. Use non-petroleum-based moisturizers if needed.

3. **Keep Distance from Heat Sources**
Maintain a distance of at least 5 feet from gas stoves, candles, and other heat sources.

4. **Thermal Fuses**
Thermal fuses installed in-line in the oxygen delivery tubing—one close to the patient and another near the oxygen source. In the event of a fire, these devices are engineered to automatically stop the flow of oxygen, enhancing safety.

5. **Electrical Safety**
Use only grounded outlets for oxygen concentrators and avoid extension cords.

6. **Fire Safety Plan**
Install smoke detectors throughout the home and keep a fire extinguisher accessible. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it!

7. **Proper Storage**
Store oxygen tanks upright in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

8. **Oxygen Equipment Care**
Keep equipment clean and in good working order. Regularly inspect your oxygen tubing and mask.

For more comprehensive safety tips, check out this Medical Oxygen Safety Tip Sheet and video from NFPA.

Stay safe, Tuolumne County!

Source: CAL FIRE TCU_Unit (Tuolumne-Calaveras)