Portland Fire and Rescue

Smoking Caused 3 Fire Deaths and 1 Critical Burn Injury in Last 5 Days

Portland Fire and Rescue

October 13, 2015 11:05

Smoking has caused three fire deaths and one serious burn injury since last Thursday, October 8th, bringing the total fire deaths to eight for 2015. In the past five years, the City of Portland has averaged approximately five fire deaths each year.

On Thursday, October 8th around 5:00 am, a female in her 70's was smoking while on oxygen therapy. She caught fire and her care-taker was able to extinguish the fire. She is in critical condition at the Oregon Burn Center.

On Friday, October 9th around 8:00 am, a disabled male in his 60's caught himself on fire while smoking in bed. His male roommate in his 70's tried to rescue him and was overcome by the smoke. Portland Fire & Rescue extinguished the fire and rescued the men. They were both transported to area hospitals where they later died.

Yesterday, October 12th around 5:30 pm, a male in his 80's caught his clothes on fire while smoking. He was transported to the Oregon Burn Center where he died later last night.

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable home fire deaths. About one out of four fire deaths are caused by smoking materials.

- Put out all cigarettes, cigars, or pipes before you leave the room.

- Never smoke in bed.

- Use deep ashtrays. Don't put ashtrays on the arms of sofas or chairs.

- Keep matches and lighters locked up, away from children. Teach children to tell you if they find a lighter or matches.

- If smokers have visited, check floors and seat cushions for butts and ashes that may have dropped.

For safety information regarding home oxygen therapy and smoking please visit our website: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/fire/article/301190

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