Oxygen Tanks Exploding Lead To Belvidere Fire

The tragedy has started to set in for the friends and family of George and Bonnie Dray. Thursdays early morning fire scorched the home on Olson Road, and investigators are still working to find answers to the accident. "At this time, the cause of the fire is undetermined," says Boone County Lieutenant, Phil Beu. "There were some contributing factors, including oxygen tanks around the house. There were three areas where oxygen tanks had exploded." The exploding oxygen tanks is a major wake up call for neighbors. Two doors down, at the Quist residence, Ron is living with his mother-in law, who lives on oxygen tanks. Hes concerned about the lack of guidelines when it comes to handling the tanks. "I imagine theres millions of people on oxygen and they should be made aware on how to store and transport them and things like that." While the victims of Thursdays fire were heavy smokers, there are other factors that can contribute to the oxygen tanks exploding. Keep oxygen away from heat and stoves, dont put oxygen tubes under clothes, bed covers, or carpet, notify the local fire department that oxygen is being used in the home, and dont let anyone smoke near the oxygen. Ginger Quist is a smoker, but she says this recent fire incident was a real wake up call for her. "Yeah, oh yeah. I dont fall asleep smoking, or even smoke when Im tired. In fact, i think Ill start smoking outside!"