House Explosion-Fire Kills Man Smoking Near Oxygen Tank
By J Thomas Wade
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
CHILTON COUNTY, Ala.
August 3rd, 2026
One person is dead and two others have been injured in an explosion and fire that occurred on July 4th, 2026.
According to Chilton County 911, they were alerted of a house fire with people trapped inside around 8:10 p.m. and dispatched several volunteer fire departments alongside law enforcement to the residence in the 5000 block of County Road 76 in Clanton.
When emergency responders arrived, heavy smoke and fire was coming from the residence.
Authorities have confirmed the fire was started by a man smoking a cigarette in the same room as an oxygen tank.
South Chilton Fire Chief Jordan Davis arrived on scene first in a Quick Responsive Vehicle and went in himself to help the three people trapped inside the house. Davis was able to rescue two of the victims, but the third was found dead inside the house.
Cedar Grove Fire Department also assisted, along with seven volunteers. The Chilton County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office are still investigating what led to the fire but believe that oxygen was leaking from the 02 tank.
Law enforcement said that Raymond Lee Taylor, 69, died in the fire.
The blaze was sparked by Taylor smoking while using an oxygen tank, Sheriff John Shearon said.
Copyright 2026 Blue RAM Media. All rights reserved.
SUPPORT OUR “LOCAL” NEWS
https://bluerammedia.com/DONATE/
