YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) – Authorities are investigating whether a northeast Ohio man smoking a cigarette near his oxygen tank sparked a house fire that claimed his life.
Fire officials said the Thursday afternoon blaze in Youngstown destroyed the 1 ½-story house and killed 53-year-old Mike Fergus.
The (Youngstown) Vindicator (http://bit.ly/U5m8Hc ) reports that Fergus was found dead by firefighters just a few feet away from his front door, near where the fire started. He was connected to an oxygen tank.
The victim’s brother, who also lived at the home, was sleeping in the rear of the house and was able to get out safely.
John Fergus told fire investigators that his brother was a smoker and on oxygen for a medical condition.
___
Information from: The Vindicator, http://www.vindy.com
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
Home Medical Oxygen Connected to Ohio House Fire
CA Firefighters Struggle for Access to Smoke Detox Treatment
After battling toxic wildfire smoke in Los Angeles, firefighters receive glutathione treatments from nonprofits to help repair cell damage.
Plano (TX) Firefighters Push City to Pilot Test 48/96 Shift
The Plano Firefighters Association is pushing for a test of a 48/96 schedule, where firefighters would work two consecutive 24-hour shifts before having four days…