Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Duplex fire was accidental

Blaze caused by woman using propane torch, authorities say

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By TERRY SMITH
Express Staff Writer

Hailey police have concluded that a duplex fire last week in the southern part of the city was caused accidentally by a woman who was using a small propane torch in her bedroom.

Police Chief Brian McNary said the woman told investigators she was "using the torch to light a cigar and left it burning on her bed," from where it ignited a pile of clothes.

The fire, which occurred on Willow Drive on Feb. 4, destroyed the bedroom and its contents and caused extensive damage throughout the second floor of the building.

It took 19 firefighters and four fire engines from Wood River Fire and Rescue and the Hailey and Bellevue fire departments to extinguish the blaze.

One occupant of the home was transported by ambulance to St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center where she was treated for smoke inhalation. Fire & Rescue Senior Engineer Matt Lutz successfully administered mouth-to-nose resuscitation on another occupant, a black Labrador mix named Apollo, who was successfully revived.

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The Hailey Police Department investigated the fire as a potential arson after the remains of the small propane tank and torch were discovered in the debris.

McNary said investigators could not find any evidence of illegal drug use connected with the cause of the blaze.

Express staff writer Jason Kauffman contributed to this report.