Fire destroys mobile home at Crooked River Ranch; no injuries

Official says nearby recreational fire likely 'contributing factor'

CROOKED RIVER RANCH, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A fire late Wednesday night destroyed a mobile home, also causing a propane cylinder to explode, but caused no injuries, officials said.

Crooked River Ranch Fire & Rescue crews were called around 11:40 p.m. to the fire in the single-wide mobile home, with additions, in the 13500 block of Southwest Cinder Drive, Assistant Fire Chief Sean Hartley said.

The first crew to arrive found the home fully ablaze, along with attached decks, Hartley said. They were able to confirm all residents were out and began defensive operations to keep the blaze from spreading to nearby vehicles and small outbuildings.

Crews had the fire contained in about an hour, Hartley said, but were on scene until about 7 a.m. Thursday, conducting overhaul operations to fully put out the fire.

Jefferson County Sheriff Jim Adkins said a witness reported seeing the front porch on fire and then a propane tank exploding. Several callers to 911 reported the fire and explosion.

The resident at first reported one of his two dogs was missing, but found it unharmed early Thursday.

The home and two attached additions were a total loss, estimated at $80,000. No estimate for lost contents was available.

The cause of the fire was under investigation, but Hartley said, "While our investigation is ongoing, we do believe that having a recreational fire too close to the front deck/addition was a contributing factor to the fire."

"Recreational fires, including fire pits and campfires, should not be conducted within 25 feet of a structure or other combustibles," he said. "Also, ensure the area around the recreational fire is cleared of all debris and combustibles.