Two injured in early morning explosion, fire

Written by Julie Applegate
June 6, 2016

LAVERKIN – Two people were injured Monday morning in an explosion and fire in a fifth-wheel trailer parked at a LaVerkin home. The fire ignited trees and prompted the evacuation of nearby homes.

An early morning explosion and fire in LaVerkin injured two people and destroyed a fifth-wheel trailer, LaVerkin, Utah, June 6, 2016 | Photo by Ron Chaffin, St. George News

The fire was reported at 1:49 a.m. in a trailer parked next to a home at 189 N. 60 East in LaVerkin. Upon arrival, responders found a fifth-wheel trailer fully engulfed in flames, according to a press statement from Hurricane Valley Fire and Rescue.

“An adult male occupant of the trailer was attempting to light a propane-powered refrigerator inside the trailer when accumulated propane was ignited causing an explosion and resulting in the fire,” the statement said.

A woman who lived in the home was sitting outside near the trailer at the time. She heard the explosion and calls for help from inside the trailer and helped a male and female out of the trailer before calling 911.

Paramedics immediately transported the two victims to Dixie Regional Medical center in stable condition with varying degrees of burn injuries, the statement said.

An early morning explosion and fire in LaVerkin injured two people and destroyed a fifth-wheel trailer, LaVerkin, Utah, June 6, 2016 | Photo by Ron Chaffin, St. George News
An early morning explosion and fire in LaVerkin injured two people and destroyed a fifth-wheel trailer, LaVerkin, Utah, June 6, 2016 | Photo by Ron Chaffin, St. George News

The fire spread to overhanging trees and brush, and homes east and west of the burning trailer were evacuated as a precaution.

Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire, although the trailer and its contents were a total loss.

Twenty-six firefighters from Hurricane Valley Fire, Hildale Fire and Washington City Fire responded to the blaze. St. George Fire Department, the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office and Washington County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office also helped with evacuations, traffic and crowd control, the statement said.

This report is based on preliminary information provided by law enforcement or other emergency responders and may not contain the full scope of findings.

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2016, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Applegate is a long-time resident and fan of Southern Utah. She brings a strong background in news writing and editing, formerly as a full-time member of the St. George News team and currently as a contributor. Julie spent several years in the software industry. She believes strongly in the role of responsible news media in society, especially at the local level. In her spare time, Julie can be found exploring Southern Utah on foot and by four-wheel drive or spending time with her family.

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