TWO HOSPITALIZED AFTER TRAVEL TRAILER FIRE IN RIDDLE

June 5, 2024 11:05 a.m.

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

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

Bystanders stated that there were two adult males with burn injuries. Two ambulances were requested to the scene. The fire was quickly extinguished.

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

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 taken by ground ambulance to CHI Mercy Medical Center in Roseburg.

Loughridge said the condition of both patients and their identities will not be released for privacy.

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