Man smoking in bed while operating oxygen tank sparks high rise fire
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Photo by Marc LaVoie
Wichita Fire Department investigators now know the cause of a high rise fire.
The two-alarm fire broke out late Tuesday night at Willow Creek Manor, 1301 South Bleckley. " We determined a probable cause was smoking when a home oxygen unit was operating." Fire Investigations Captain Stu Bevis said. " The 58 year-old man tried to put the fire out himself and he's lucky to be alive."
A majority of the smoke was on the fourth floor of the six story building. The man who lived alone, was treated for smoke inhalation and expected to be released today. He did not suffer burns during the fire. A woman was also treated at the hospital, but there's no word on her condition.
About 60 people were evacuated from the six story building, while others out of danger were told to stay put inside their apartments. Damage was estimated at $50,000 to the structure and apartment contents. "Once again we want to remind people that if there's home oxygen operating, open flames are not to be around. It can make anything around burn more readily when you add oxygen." Bevis said.
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