Propane explosion causes no injuries, but destroys Northfield camper

By CHRIS LARABEE

Staff Writer

Published: 05-22-2024 11:47 AM

NORTHFIELD — No injuries or damage to a nearby residence were reported Wednesday morning following a propane explosion in a camper that was parked at a home on East Street.

Northfield’s public safety departments were dispatched to 54 East St. at around 6:41 a.m. for a reported explosion. Upon arrival, they discovered a 25-foot camper with “pretty substantial explosion damage,” according to Fire Chief Floyd “Skip” Dunnell III. No one was inside the camper at the time, although there was a resident in the nearby home.

“There was a propane gas buildup in the camper and it appears as though, when the gas refrigerator cycled, that was a source of ignition,” Dunnell explained, adding that there was a “flash fire” that extinguished on its own. “No injuries, no damage to the residence and the camper is probably going to be totaled.”

Dunnell said the homeowner at 54 East St. didn’t own the camper, but was allowing a friend or family member to store it on their property.

“The camper was moved there a couple days ago because the owners, who live in Northfield, were getting tree work done,” he said. “They were getting ready to go camping.”

The Northfield Police Department and Northfield EMS also responded with the Fire Department. Once emergency personnel arrived, Dunnell said they were able to turn off the propane and disconnect the battery before they began their investigation.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.

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