MERLIN, Ore. – A garden shed explosion in Merlin Wednesday morning left one person with serious burn injuries and a second person scrambling to extinguish the blaze with a frozen garden hose. Rural Metro Fire (RMF) responded to the incident on the 3000 block of Camp Joy Road just after 10 a.m., where they found the small structure almost entirely consumed by flames.
According to officials, the injured individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The second person, who attempted to combat the fire with a garden hose, was unable to do so as the hose had frozen overnight, rendering it inoperable.
Rural Metro Fire investigators indicated that propane was in use inside the shed at the time of the explosion. While the exact cause of the blast remains under investigation, officials confirmed that a propane leak led to the ignition. RMF highlighted that the use of propane tanks in confined, small spaces is particularly hazardous, as the combination of flammable materials and heat can result in a catastrophic outcome.
“There’s lots of flammable material when living in such a small space that could easily come into contact with a hot object, if not flame,” said RMF Operations Chief Austin Prince. “And it’s just that right combination of things that can result in a really unfortunate outcome.”
The explosion and subsequent fire serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with personal heating devices during the winter months. Rural Metro Fire emphasized the importance of taking precautions, including thawing garden hoses and protecting exterior spigots from freezing.
As of now, the investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, but authorities urge the public to exercise caution when using propane or other heating sources in confined spaces.