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Five injured in fire caused by oxygen, smoking, officials say 

An early Thursday morning fire that injured five people and caused extensive damage to eight apartments in southeast Reno was caused by someone smoking while using medical oxygen, the Reno Fire Department said. . . .

Ambulances took four people to Renown Regional Medical Center for injuries ranging from burns to broken ribs to smoke inhalation. A fifth person was treated for injuries at the scene.

Fire spokesman Steve Frady didn't have details on the injuries.

The fire started when an elderly resident using oxygen dropped a cigarette onto the floor, according to the fire department.

Residents heard oxygen bottles exploding in the fire, the department reported. . . .

Investigators said the main danger to people from an oxygen enriched atmosphere is that clothing, bedding, upholstery, even hair can absorb oxygen that can easily catch fire, cause serious or fatal burns and fire to extend throughout a structure.

They suggest rooms in which oxygen is used be well-ventilated and that all smoking and open flame forbidden.

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