House fire caused by exploding oxygen tank, fire officials say

CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WBBH) – A fire at a Florida home in late March was started by an unusual culprit, according to authorities.

The Cape Coral Fire Department said crews were called to the home around 8:30 a.m. March 27 after they said an oxygen tank exploded.

Homeowner Joyce O’Barske said she was in the garage when the explosion occurred. She said her husband, who is an amputee, came running through the garage door and told her there was a fire.

Unfortunately, nothing from the home could be saved except for two cars in the garage, O’Barske said.

“But who cares about cars? As long as our lives are okay,” she said.

Police were able to get O’Barske and her husband out of the home safely.

Firefighters were then able to save the couple’s two dogs and an iguana.

O’Barske was taken to the hospital with burns on his face but is expected to make a full recovery.

Fire Marshall Dale Deleacaes said the oxygen in the tank is not flammable in and of itself but it does support combustion and will turn anything ignitable into a “super fire.”

Fire investigators are still trying to figure out what caused the tank to explode.

Deleacaes said there are some safety tips that could be useful.

He said you can prevent tripping by making sure cords are secure, highly visible and off the ground. Oxygen tanks should also be kept away from a heat source, whether it’s an open flame or an electrical device.

“So candles, stoves, any open flame, anything of that source,” he said. “Cigarette smoking, lighters.”

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