Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department officials say smoking was the cause of a fire at the Maitland Court Apartments shortly after 8:00 o'clock Saturday morning.

When units arrived at 310 Byrd Avenue, a 53 year old female resident had to be rescued from the burning apartment. Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services transported the victim to the ER at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Officials told NewsRadio WGNS that she had symptoms of smoke inhalation.

Assistant Fire Marshal Carl Peas was called to the scene to investigate. "It appears that the resident was smoking and fell asleep. There was oxygen used in the home and the cigarette ignited the oxygen tube, carpet, and coffee table".

Peas estimated the damage to be about $1,000.

Peas cautioned that smoking in a home where oxygen is used is very dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoking materials are the leading cause of fire deaths in the United States.

"Smoking should never happen in a home where oxygen is being used," warned Peas. "In order to prevent a deadly cigarette fire, you also have to be alert. You should always refrain from smoking when you are sleepy".

For more smoking safety tips, visit www.nfpa.org.