Five people were injured last Friday after a smudge pot exploded.

According to Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Jeffrey Moore, the incident happened west of Beggs on Nov. 17.

Five victims at the scene suffered second and third-degree burns. Four were taken by four separate helicopters following the explosion.

Moore stated the victims were at a gathering using the smudge pot when it exploded, throwing hot oil and fire on three men and two women. Four of the victims suffered burns to their upper body and one to their lower body.

A smudge pot is an oil-burning container, usually containing crude oil, and is most commonly used in fruit and citrus orchards and greenhouses to prevent frost from growing on trees.

Moore believes the group was using the smudge pot to keep warm instead of for its intended use - keeping frost off plants, something he warns against.