Turah, MT – TURAH –
A man and dog are recovering after the cabin they were staying in at the Turah Store and Campground exploded and went up in flames after a propane leak.
Missoula Rural Fire District Assistant Chief Paul Finlay says the fire and explosion happened around 2 a.m. on Saturday. Crews found the cabin engulfed in flames when they arrived.
Initial reports indicated the guest had suffered “brain injuries” and was moved to the store before help arrived. He was later taken to the hospital. A dog hiding under the cabin was also burned and taken to a local veterinarian.
Chief Finlay says it appears the propane was leaking behind the stove in the kitchen, and the explosion may have happened when the man woke up and lit a cigarette, which ignited the gas.
The cabin is considered a total loss. The estimated pre-fire value was $20,000 for the building and $5,000 for the contents.There were several recreational vehicles nearby as well as one other cabin, two out buildings and several vehicles and pieces of machinery.
Finlay says all of those were saved and undamaged with an estimate of $100,000.00 value.The building was insured but it is unknown if the contents were.