Dangers of smoking near an oxygen tank

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It seems like common sense; don't smoke near an oxygen tank. 

In Ware Sunday, the State Fire Marshal determined a lit cigarette caused a woman's home oxygen tank to explode.  No one was killed.  34 people have been killed since 1997 in Massachusetts fires involving home oxygen.  That includes a woman who died in Westfield in February. 

“We've had several fires with the people smoking with the oxygen tanks it's a big problem.  I know the State Fire Marshal is very concerned with that”, says Springfield Fire Commissioner Joseph Conant

The Fire Marshal has started a campaign called "Breathe Easy."   It's information on how to use home oxygen safely.  Click here to take a look at these tips .