Syracuse, N.Y. — Two people went to the hospital Monday after a fire at a senior living facility in the Valley neighborhood of Syracuse.

Someone was smoking while wearing medical oxygen, when the tubing caught fire while connected to an oxygen-concentrator machine, according to the Syracuse Fire Department.

Someone called 911 at 4:50 p.m. to report injuries after a possible oxygen tank explosion at The Bernadine, at 417 Churchill Ave., Apt. 1508, dispatchers said.

Firefighters from Engine 18 on Midland Avenue arrived at the 23-story senior living apartment building in less than three minutes.

When they entered the apartment on the 15th floor, firefighters said they saw “a light smoke condition in the apartment but found no active fire.” That’s because a bystander had used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire before firefighters arrived.

Fire investigators determined the fire was accidental.

Members of the Syracuse Fire Department evaluated and treated two people — one with minor burns and the other with shortness of breath — at the scene. American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance then transported the two people to Syracuse hospitals. Both were in stable condition, firefighters said.

Fire officials did not have the patient’s ages or other details, and Syracuse police could not be reached for comment.

After the fire call, firefighters reflected on the call.

“Although oxygen itself isn’t flammable, it makes other materials ignite much easier and burn faster and hotter,” a fire department spokesperson wrote in an email. “While in the vicinity of medical oxygen, it is advisable not to smoke or have any open flames.”

The Bernadine is run by Loretto, and boasts one of the largest and most affordable senior living communities tucked in a neighborhood community in the city of Syracuse.

Have a tip or a story idea? Contact Catie O’Toole: cotoole@syracuse.com | text/call 315-470-2134 | Twitter | Facebook.

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