TWO HOSPITALIZED AFTER TRAVEL TRAILER FIRE IN RUNNER – KQEN News Radio

June 5, 2024 11:05 a.m.

Two people were hospitalized after a trailer fire in Riddle Tuesday evening.

Fire Chief Devin Loughridge of the Riddle Fire Protection District said that shortly after 9:30 p.m., crews were dispatched to the 300 block of East First Avene after several callers said a trailer had exploded. Loughridge said firefighters quickly arrived and found the fifth wheel with extensive damage to the exterior, with smoke.

Bystanders said two adult men were burned. Two ambulances were mobilized to the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished.

Loughridge said the cause of the fire was accidental. A disconnected gas line in the trailer was found to be leaking. A spark from operating equipment caused propane inside the trailer to ignite, causing explosions and burns.

Loughridge said an air ambulance was requested for one of the patients. That man was flown to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center in Portland. The second patient was transported by ground ambulance to CHI Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg.

The condition of both patients is currently unknown. Loughridge said their identities would not be released for privacy reasons.

The Riddle Fire District was assisted by Canyonville-South Umpqua Fire, Umpqua Valley Ambulance, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Myrtle Creek Police and Reach Air Medical Services.