Camden Wyoming, DE (February 27, 2026) – A structure fire on the 200 block of Henry Cowgill Rd in Camden Wyoming was reported on Friday, February 27, after a person smoking while connected to an oxygen supply ignited a blaze inside the home.
Smoke conditions were reported throughout the structure following the incident. At least one person was injured and received care from emergency medical units on scene. A state police aviation unit was initially requested but was not utilized.
Multiple emergency units responded to the scene, including fire and medical crews. The extent of the injured person’s condition has not been confirmed beyond the initial report.
The incident remains under review by authorities, and additional details are expected as the investigation continues. Our thoughts are with those affected as they recover.
Why Smoking Near Oxygen Equipment Is Extremely Dangerous
Medical oxygen significantly increases the flammability of nearly everything it comes into contact with, including clothing, furniture, and bedding. When a person smokes while using supplemental oxygen, even a small spark can ignite materials that would otherwise be slow to catch fire. Fires that start in oxygen-rich environments tend to spread faster and burn more intensely than typical household fires.
Home oxygen therapy is common among people managing respiratory conditions, and safety guidelines from medical providers consistently warn against smoking or being near open flames while using the equipment. Keeping oxygen tanks and tubing away from heat sources, candles, and cigarettes is one of the most basic and critical precautions for anyone in the home.
In Delaware, fire safety agencies encourage households using medical oxygen to notify their local fire department, which allows crews to be better prepared in the event of an emergency at that address.
