Oxygen tanks can cause house fires. One Iowa fire chief is working to reduce that threat.

If Lawrence Scott were a resident of the UK instead of living in Nevada, Iowa, he would probably still be alive.

"In the UK, they require these Firesafe Thermal Shut-off Valves," Nevada Director of Fire and EMS Ray Reynolds said Wednesday. "If these shunts were installed, this probably wouldn't have happened."

Reynolds was referencing the April 22 fire in Nevada that killed Scott and injured two family members. The fire was ruled accidental, according to a Nevada Public Safety Department press release.

Scott was receiving oxygen treatment in his home while also smoking, which caused the fire.

"The last two fire fatalities in Nevada were caused by people smoking while using supplemental oxygen," Reynolds said.

Reynolds said many fires in the city are caused by residents who smoke during oxygen treatments and it's become a threat to the entire community as well as those fighting the fires.

"There was a fire last year where we pulled out a lady still alive, but she only lived 24 hours," Reynolds said. "She was severely burned. And I've got some 18-year-old volunteer firefighters who've never seen a tragedy like that. I had a firefighter quit. They didn't really sign up for that kind of reality. It takes a toll on the mental health of firefighters."

Reynolds was referring to a fire April 21, 2022 at 10 Maple Lot 101 where 74-year-old Ruth Olson died. The fire erupted when Olson was smoking while using oxygen treatment.

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"The last two fatal fires in Nevada were from people smoking and using oxygen at home," Reynolds said. "The last three fires we've had were oxygen and cigarette related."

According to Reynolds, between 2019 and 2021 across 40 states, 256 fires were caused by smokers using oxygen in their homes. Of those 256 fires, 152 resulted in deaths and 77 resulted in a total loss of the home.

Compare that, Reynolds said, to a five-year span in the United Kingdom where Firesafe Thermal Shut-off Valves are legally required on oxygen tanks. From 2013-2018, there was only a single fire-related fatality caused by smoking with at-home oxygen.

"We have a problem and I'm going to figure out how to solve it," Reynolds said.

Working to halt fatalities

The fire director has gathered a national group of leaders through the International Association of Fire Chief, the group that creates the nation's fire code. They are working with legislators and industry leaders to change the nation's attitude toward Firesafe Thermal Shut-off Valves.

"For example, the Veteran's Association is requiring them for home oxygen, but Medicare won't pay the $11.25 for one," Reynolds said.

Most of the leaders he has spoken to about the valves say "It's a no-brainer idea. But changing Medicare is not a fast process.

So I'm just stubborn enough to do it," Reynolds said.

Teresa Kay Albertson covers politics, crime, courts and local government in Ames and central Iowa for the Ames Tribune and Des Moines Register. Reach her on Twitter @TeresaAlberts11 and at talbertson@registermedia.com, 515-419-6098.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Fatal Nevada fire ruled accidental as chief pleads for new regulations