SC Man Burned Using Oxygen Tank

An Oconee County, SC man is in the August Burn Center , listed in critical condition this morning after a flash fire at his home.

Oconee County Fire Chief Charlie King tells WLHR News, first responders were called to a home in the Timber Lake Community where they found injured man.

King said it appears the man had been smoking while using a home medical oxygen device.  The victim was immediately airlifted to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta. His name has not been released.

Firefighters set up a landing zone along highway 24 outside of the neighborhood to facilitate the flight.

King reminds those using oxygen that while the oxygen itself is not flammable, it does allow for materials to ignite and burn more readily.

King said one should never smoke in a home where oxygen is in use.

He said it’s also a good idea to post “no smoking” signs inside your home and on your doors and windows.

Also, King advises to keep all oxygen sources away from matches, lighters, candles, gas stoves, appliances, electric razors and hair dryers at least 10 feet away from the point where the oxygen comes out.

Other safety tips include:

-Do not wear oxygen while cooking
-Make sure the home has working smoke detectors
-Have a home escape plan with to ways out of every room and an outside