BIG SKY, Montana – A propane explosion led to the destruction of a Big Sky home on Friday, March 29, leading to severe burn injuries on one woman.
According to KRTV 3, neighbors reported seeing the windows and door at the back of the house blow out. The fire, which occurred in the Cascade Ridge Subdivision on Lower Cascade Ridge Road near Big Sky Resort‘s Little Thunder ski lift, did not spread to any other buildings.
The Big Sky Fire Department states that aid from the Yellowstone Mountain Rural Club Fire Department, Bozeman Fire Department, Gallatin Gateway Fire Department, Hyalite Fire Department, and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office were assisted in fighting the fire.
“During the response, a large black smoke column was visible from the area, and flames extending 15’ above the roof line of the structure were visible from Lone Mountain Trail. Immediately, BSFD requested a 1st and 2nd alarm assignment, requesting mutual aid resources from neighboring departments to respond.” – Big Sky Fire Department
“The primary fire occupancy was a total loss, and both adjacent structures received minimal damage due to the aggressive exposure protection efforts from BSFD crews. The occupant of the residence suffered life-threatening injuries and was flown to a Regional Burn Center for care.” – Big Sky Fire Department
KBZK 7 reports that the woman was able to escape the building and, according to Big Sky Fire Chief Greg Megaard, was flown to an Idaho Falls medical center. Though her condition isn’t currently known, Megaard believes she was doing better as of Monday.
“If you smell propane, if you can turn it off, get out of the property, turn all your heaters off. Obviously, don’t turn your light switches on or candles, anything like that. That would give a source of an explosion.” – Greg Megaard
Most homes in the Big Sky area are run off propane, with access to natural gas being limited in the area. Calls to the fire department related to leaks aren’t uncommon, and Megaard encourages anyone who believes their propane might be leaking to call in.
“Any time you smell or even think you smell propane, natural gas, whatever it is, don’t hesitate to call. We’d rather come and there’s not a problem than not.” – Greg Megaard
Related: Helicopter Accidentally Drops Propane Canister On Active Ski Slope
Image Credit: Big Sky Fire Department via Facebook