Good Samaritan to the rescue
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 6 years, 8 months AGO
Photo courtesy of Northern Lakes Fire A man was sent to Harbor View Medical Center’s Burn Unit after his RV caught fire Wednesday night. The RV, completely destroyed, is seen here.
Photo courtesy of Northern Lakes Fire Propane heaters are to blame for the blaze that destroyed an RV and sent a man to Harbor View Medical Center’s Burn Unit on Wednesday night. The unnamed man was rescued by an unnamed good Samaritan who happened to be driving by and saved him.
HAYDEN — A Hayden man suffered severe burns and was transported to Harbor View Medical Center’s Burn Unit in Seattle after a fire broke out in a recreational vehicle Wednesday night.
Northern Lakes Fire District responded to a structure fire in the 15500 block of north Government Way at 8:20 p.m. According to Northern Lakes public information officer Chris Larson, crews arrived on the scene to find the RV, which was being used as a living space, fully involved.
The burn victim was rescued by a good Samaritan, who was driving in the area. According to a witness, the good Samaritan broke out a window in the RV and rescued the victim, who was transported to Kootenai Health for severe burn injuries. Later that night, the man was transported to Harbor View.
Northern Lakes, Timberlake Fire and an ambulance from Coeur d’Alene Fire all responded. Crews cleared the call at 9:50 p.m.
The fire was caused by a gas-fired, infra-red tank top heater on a 20-pound propane heater. The heater was the main source of heat for the burn victim.
Northern Lakes Fire District reminds the public that a portable propane heater is not designed for heating residents’ homes, recreational vehicles or enclosed spaces. When a portable heating device is used, follow manufacturer recommendations.
Remember to keep all combustibles at least three feet from a heat source and do not store gasoline or other flammable liquids or gas near an open flame. Also, portable propane heaters not used correctly can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or asphyxiation.
As of Thursday evening, the victim, whose name was not released, was reported to have severe second-degree burns to the right side of his body and singed hair on his face and head.
Late Thursday night, Ashley Sanders posted on social media that her husband, Tyler Sanders, is the good Samaritan.
“My husband was the Good Samaritan. Last night while driving home from my birthday dinner, we notice ahead what we thought was a burning brush pile alongside Highway 95. Upon approaching the fire, we discover it is a structure fire and there was a man hanging from the window legitimately burning alive. Tyler pulled over immediately, ensuring Wrenley and I were safe in our vehicle on the side of the road and ran into the scene unknowingly what to expect.
“While another man was currently on site attempting to pull the man out of the window, Ty grabbed him around the waist and freed the man. Ty reacted without hesitation and safely saved this mans life. I am so proud of him for being so brave and selfless in this situation. He is a hero!”