Fatal Apartment Fire at Marion Towers Under Investigation

Marion firefighters responded to fatal fire at Marion Towers early Wednesday morning.

Firefighters were dispatched at just before 2:30am to 400 Delaware Avenue and found heavy smoke in the hallway, and smoke coming from a single apartment door.

Upon entering the apartment, firefighters found an elderly male victim unresponsive in a wheelchair and began rescue efforts before placing him in the care of paramedics who revealed the victim was dead.

The fire was quickly extinguished and contained to the room of origin.

Approximately 10 individuals were evaluated for smoke inhalation with 1 requiring transport with minor injuries.

An additional patient was transported from the scene for an unrelated illness, and no firefighters were injured.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but smoking with oxygen is strongly suspected. 

Medical grade oxygen is extremely flammable and can cause rapid fire growth.

It is NEVER acceptable to smoke while inside a home with medical oxygen present. 

The Marion Fire Department is working diligently with the Marion Towers management to address future smoking related hazards at the location.