Gasoline explosion sends four to hospital

An explosion on the back deck of a house at 375 S. Oak Street at the intersection with W. Jefferson Avenue seriously injured three people Saturday night. Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Karjala told The Nugget that the call came in at about 6:08 p.m.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, an investigation revealed a homeowner in the area had built a warming fire and was not able to keep the fire burning, so they poured gasoline on the fire, which subsequently ignited and then exploded the can that the gasoline was being poured from. There was no danger to surrounding homes or property.

As a result of the explosion, four people suffered severe burns to body, hands and face. Two of the victims were flown by air ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center in Bend. The other two victims were transported by ground ambulance to St. Charles to be treated for their injuries. One victim is in critical condition, two are in stable condition and one was treated and released from St. Charles.

According to the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, the incident appears to have been an accident and alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor.

The incident was originally called in as a possible structure fire, and the situation required quick mobilization of resources to address an entirely different emergency.

Karjala stated, "The incident changed rapidly from a possible structure fire to a medical emergency with multiple patients. The firefighter/paramedics did a great job of treating the patients and quickly transporting them to the hospital."

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District received assistance from Black Butte Ranch Fire District and Police Department, Cloverdale Fire District, Redmond Fire District, the City of Bend Fire Department, Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal, Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, Life Flight, and AirLink. A total of 30 emergency personnel responded to the call.