Libby man dies in motorhome fire

A man lost his life last week in a fire that destroyed a motorhome being used a residence.

According to a report by Libby Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Lauer, a 59-year-old died in the blaze shortly after midnight Wednesday, Jan. 8, at the Three Corner Mobile Home Park.

A woman living in the motorhome escaped the structure. She was checked out by Libby Volunteer Ambulance personnel for smoke inhalation and minor burns.

Social media posts indicated the woman has found a place to stay and efforts to secure donations to replace items she lost in the fire have been successful.

Nineteen firefighters were on the scene of the blaze for 2 1/2 hours as well as one engine truck, two water tenders and the department’s command center.

They were assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Libby Police Department, Libby Volunteer Ambulance and Flathead Electric.

Fire officials said the motorhome didn’t have a smoke detector and the cause of the fire was due to an overloaded electrical circuit that provided power to a portable space heater.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Lauer is asking citizens to follow basic fire protection guidelines.

“The Libby Volunteer Fire Department would like to urge citizens that regardless of the type of structure you are living in, make sure that you follow some basic fire protection guidelines that will offer you a higher chance of survival in the event of fire and hopefully prevent a fire from starting in the first place,” Lauer said.

He offered the following fire safety tips:

- Make sure your electrical service is a code compliant installation;

- Avoid overloading electrical circuits, such as too many appliances and devices plugged into a single circuit.

Avoid using extension cords if at all possible. For those who must use one, only use extension cords rated for the appliance, device and circuit being used. Avoid using relocatable power taps, often mistaken for surge protected power strips. Do not use any electrical cord, appliance or device that has damaged or frayed wiring.

- Make sure you have working smoke alarms inside and outside all sleeping rooms. When you change your clock for daylight savings, change your smoke alarm batteries.

- Install a carbon monoxide detector in the area of fuel burning appliances or the venting system of these appliances.

- Have a minimum of a 2A10BC (5 pound) multipurpose fire extinguisher readily accessible.

- Store flammable liquids and other hazardous chemicals in proper containers outside.

- Make sure ALL of your exit doors and windows are easily openable and that you have adequate egress in place.

- Make sure your address is visible from the street for all emergency services.