Elderly Maine Woman Seriously Injured in Oxygen-Linked Fire

An elderly woman from Andover suffered significant burn injuries Monday night after her oxygen tubing ignited while she was using a heat-based hair-removal device inside her home, according to the Maine State Police. The incident happened at a single-family residence on Horseshoe Pond Road just before 10 p.m. on November 24.

Investigators with the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene after emergency crews reported that the woman’s oxygen equipment had caught fire. State police said the woman was using a hair-removal device that produces heat, and because she was simultaneously receiving supplemental oxygen, the tubing quickly ignited. The resulting flash fire caused burns to her face, head, and surrounding areas.

First responders provided immediate care before transporting the victim to Rumford Hospital for initial evaluation and treatment, troopers said. Due to the severity of the injuries, medical staff determined she required a higher level of care. According to Maine State Police, LifeFlight later transferred her to Maine Medical Center in Portland for advanced burn treatment.

Officials say the woman remains hospitalized as of Tuesday. Her current condition has not been released, but investigators confirm she is still receiving treatment for her injuries.

The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are reminding the public to use extreme caution when operating any device that generates heat around oxygen equipment, as oxygen-enriched environments significantly increase the risk of rapid ignition and fire.