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Airway fires during use of high-flow nasal oxygen: a cause for concern. The value of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) in anaesthetic practice is well recognised. Its roles are diverse, with the potential to oxygenate patients whether they are breathing or apnoeic, and whether they are awake, sedated, or anaesthetised. HFNO is administered without incident to thousands of patients worldwide on a daily basis. Major complications associated with its use are rare. However, a number of fires have now been reported with laser or diathermy use within or adjacent to the airways of patients receiving HFNO.