It has all the earmarks of a “Darwin Awards” entry. Soap Lake, Washington, firefighters got a late-night callout when neighbors reported an explosion and fire in a motorhome. While no human lives were lost, it was a close one, and a family pet didn’t make it out to tell the tale. The unbelievable chain of events in this motorhome LP explosion leaves our heads shaking.
Motorhome LP explosion—so many wrongs
The call came in at 10:35 p.m. last Wednesday and Grant County Fire District 7 responders immediately hit the road. When they arrived on Fern Street, they found the motorhome “fully involved.” A dozen firefighters, along with two engines, a pumper/tender and other support rigs were able to knock down the flames before the could spread to nearby buildings.
Miraculously escaping the flames unscathed were the two RV occupants. This is not a case of, “cause of the fire is yet to be determined.” It seems one of the RVers was attempting to fill a small propane cylinder from a 20-pound cylinder. Fire officials report they “inadvertently released propane” in the process. Adding to the apparent stupidity of the situation, the pair had a candle burning near their fuel transfer operation.
Why were they refilling LP in an enclosed RV? Were they using safe equipment, or just winging their way with a “YouTube University” protocol? And why did the innocent dog become collateral damage? In this case of the motorhome LP explosion, we’ll probably never know.
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Here’s a safe and legal way to refill those tiny propane cylinders.
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With the cost of disposable propane cylinders hitting extreme pricing, there will be more events like this to read about. Just bite the bullet and get a 5# propane cylinder and avoid the risk.
What happened to common sense? A candle near by? Good grief!
Amazing that anyone would even think about doing this inside the RV. Just flipping a light switch would produce a spark. have one of the 1lb refillable bottles that I use for a portable grill. I fill it in my back yard.
Sure didn’t save any money!
Thanks, G. Here’s a link to the Flame King refillable one-pound cylinder on Amazon, where they are on special now for $16.96 each. Or two of them are $42.27. Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Hmmm..that math makes it cheaper to buy them 1 at a time..
Yep, as long as that special is going on (didn’t say when it ends). That’s why I listed both options, which are both cheaper than buying via Facebook. Have a good night, Bill.🤗 –Diane
Thank you, Russ and Tina, for publicizing this instance of someone doing the thoughtless. Sadly, would be far easier to rehome the pet, had it survived, than the thoughtless humans. I am unsure that anyone would want them. Have a great week and safe travels!
Home Depot has three refillable cylinders plus the refill stand and adapter for $78. Free shipping.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Flame-King-Three-1-lb-Refillable-Propane-Cylinders-with-Refill-Kit-YSN1LBKT-2CL/311513863
How do such stupid people make it to adulthood?
I doubt you’d be refilling them inside a small space, with a lit candle to boot.