Smoking Near Oxygen Blamed in Lakeland House Fire

LAKELAND, FL — An early morning fire that ripped through a home in the 1500 block of Ariana Street, leaving one person injured, was caused by a dangerous mix of smoking and oxygen use, officials say.

According to the Lakeland Fire Department, a call about the fire in the Woodbrook Mobile Home Park came in around 4:15 a.m. Oct. 28. Neighbors called to report the fire “as well as screams coming from inside the home from a possible victim,” an email from the agency said.

When firefighters arrived, they found the homeowner in the front yard with injuries. Crews were able to get control of the blaze quickly while protecting nearby homes, the email noted.

The homeowner, who is not being identified, suffered injuries severe enough that a helicopter transport to Tampa General Hospital was deemed necessary, fire rescue said.

“The homeowner fell asleep while smoking and using medical oxygen,” the fire department reported.

The incident has prompted a plea from the fire department:

This unfortunate event is a sobering reminder of the dangers of smoking while using medical oxygen. The Lakeland Fire Department recommends that individuals using medical oxygen never smoke. Additionally, for anyone that does smoke, they should never do so when groggy, tired, or sleepy as it can lead to a fire upon falling asleep; even if only for a moment. More information about Medical Oxygen and Smoking Safety can be found at the LFD website at www.lakelandgov.net/LFD.

Photo courtesy of the Lakeland Fire Department