Elderly Woman’s Fatal House Fire in Candler Ignites Warnings About Oxygen Use Dangers

Asheville, NC – March 8th, 2024

Buncombe County fire officials confirmed a fatal house fire in Candler was caused by a person smoking while using medical oxygen. Margaret Johnson, 74, died in the fire. Fire crews responded to Propst Road after reports of heavy smoke and flames coming from a mobile home about 7:36 a.m. Wednesday. Buncombe County Fire Marshal Kevin Tipton said when they learned there was someone in the home, they immediately took action.

He said the floors and living room were compromised, forcing firefighters to make entry elsewhere. “It forced them back out, and they had to enter through a window in the rear of the mobile home, where the victim was located within the first 3 to 4 minutes,” Tipton said. “Unfortunately, the victim was removed through the bedroom window and determined to be deceased upon removal.” Officials said Johnson had a long history of health conditions and was physically impaired.

Officials said this is the second smoking with oxygen-related death in Buncombe County, not including Asheville, in the last four months and there were four burn injuries from smoking with oxygen in 2023. “Open flames and smoking with home oxygen do not mix. We really beg you to please follow the rules,” Tipton said. “Don’t burn candles, don’t use any type of open flame unless it’s confined. Don’t even smoke with the oxygen in the home.” Johnson’s son, who was her primary caregiver, worked a midnight graveyard shift and was not home during the time of the fire, officials said.