Earlier today, Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) and Priority Ambulance crews responded to a critical incident in Prescott Valley involving an elderly man that had caught fire in his bed. Thankfully, the patient’s caregiver acted quickly, using a fire extinguisher prior to our arrival.
The patient received immediate care from the crews of Engine 53 and Priority, and was subsequently airlifted to a burn center in Phoenix by Native Air. It is believed that the fire was caused by the patient smoking while using oxygen.
Please, do not smoke in a home where oxygen is being used, as medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is nearby. Even if the oxygen is turned off, it can still catch on fire.
Never smoke in bed. Not only can mattresses and bedding catch fire easily, but many home fires begin when someone falls asleep with a lit cigarette.
