NFD to distribute thermal fuses for oxygen concentrator users

Following an incident in which local firefighters responded to an accidental fire caused by a person smoking while using supplemental oxygen, the Newton Fire Department issued a safety initiative to reduce similar risks and plans to hand out thermal fuses to oxygen users in the community.

According to a May 30 press release from the fire department, first responders were dispatched to a residential fire at around 6:43 a.m. May 29 in the 1300 block of South Third Avenue West. The fire started in the living room of a single-family home occupied by two residents. Police officers were first to arrive.

Officers helped the occupants safely exit the home while firefighters from Newton and mutual aid units from Kellogg and Colfax quickly controlled and extinguished the fire, which was limited to a recliner in the living room. One of the residents was treated for mild smoke inhalation on the scene.

Upon further investigation, the fire was determined to be accident. A resident had removed her oxygen nasal cannula and placed it on her chest while smoking. The fire department said the flame ignited the oxygen tubing and nearby recliner, causing a brief but intense fire.

Newton Fire Marshal Jacob Halferty said in a statement in the press release: “This incident underscores the extreme danger of smoking while using supplemental oxygen. Oxygen accelerates combustion, drastically increasing the speed and intensity of fire spread.”

To prevent similar incidents from happening, the fire department announced it is launching a Community Risk Reduction program to raise awareness about the dangers of home oxygen use. Small safety devices called thermal fuses — which shut off oxygen flow when exposed to heat — will be distributed for free.

“We’re committed to protecting our most vulnerable residents,” Halferty said. “These fuses won’t stop a fire from starting, but they can slow its growth and potentially save lives. Our goal is to make these available at no cost to oxygen concentrator users in Newton.”

The fire station will work with home health providers and community partners to roll out the program in the coming weeks.