Wyoming has a fire problem. The problem is civilian deaths in home fires that have medical oxygen in use. In the last year more than fifty percent of the deaths in residential structure fires throughout the state have been in homes with medical oxygen.
The Wyoming State Fire Marshals Office in coordination with Fire Departments around the state and other state agencies has created the 307 CRR initiative and made it our priority to “GET AHEAD OF THE CALL” and combat this problem by promoting the installation and use of oxygen thermal barriers.
Our mission is: “The Installation of inline oxygen thermal barriers in 100% of the homes in Wyoming using medical oxygen in an effort to reduce fire deaths and injuries by 1/1/24”
We all know that oxygen by itself does not burn but the presence of oxygen enhances burning and makes fires burn hotter and longer. By installing an oxygen thermal barrier, we can reduce the chance death, injury and property damage in home fires.
What is an oxygen thermal barrier
An oxygen thermal barrier is a simple device that is installed inline in oxygen tubing and if fire impinges on this device this simple two way valve will cut off the flow of oxygen and reduce the spread of fire, thereby saving lives and property.
An oxygen thermal barrier, also known as a fire stop valve or fire safety valve, is a thermal fuse designed to extinguish a fire in the delivery tube being used by a patient on oxygen therapy and stop the flow of oxygen if the tube is accidentally ignited. Oxygen thermal barriers are fitted into the oxygen delivery tubing close to the patient, typically around the patient’s sternum where the two nasal cannula tubes join and connect to the delivery tubing.
According to the National Heart lung and Blood institute there are over 30,000 people in Wyoming with COPD
Help us positively impact these peoples lives. If you or someone you know uses medical oxygen, reach out to your oxygen provider, local fire department or the Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s Office and the information that you need to obtain this device. We need everyone's help to ensure the safety of citizens.
What does this mean for me?
Jackson Hole Fire/EMS will come to the home and install, free of charge, a thermal barrier device to any Teton County Resident on home medical oxygen. Please click the link below to fill out a request form.