QUINCY, Mass. – The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is emphasizing “the critical fire risks associated with smoking in the presence of medical oxygen” and offering the public and the media resources on the topic.
The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal’s Office this week provided an update on the ongoing investigation into the fatal fire at Gabriel House, an assisted living facility in Fall River, Mass. Investigators confirmed the fire began in a second-floor resident room and remains classified as “undetermined” under NFPA 921 guidelines.
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However, two possible accidental causes were identified as likely ignition sources: an electrical or mechanical malfunction involving an oxygen concentrator, or the improper use or disposal of smoking materials. Investigators also emphasized that the presence of medical oxygen contributed significantly to the rapid spread and lethality of the fire, which claimed 10 lives.
NFPA Offers Resources Related to Medical Oxygen
The initial findings regarding the Gabriel House fire “highlight longstanding concerns around home oxygen use and smoking,” according to the association announcement.
NFPA offers several resources on these topics, including:
“NFPA urges all caregivers, facility managers, and individuals using home oxygen to review and share these safety guidelines,” says Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach & advocacy, in the announcement. “Smoking near oxygen is never safe, and extra precautions must be taken to protect vulnerable populations.”
Additional Resources:
- NFPA Research: U.S. Experience with Sprinklers (April 2024)
- Fire Safety for Individuals in Nursing Homes or Congregate Care Settings
- Firefighter Staffing Requirements: NFPA 1710 Fact Sheet
For additional context, read a recent NFPA blog post: Smoking, Medical Oxygen Cited in Preliminary Investigation of Massachusetts Assisted Living Facility Fire.
