Survivor Of A Propane Explosion Visits First Responders To Give Thanks (Photo) -05/20/23
Kelso, WA- Doug Reid, 74, and his wife visited firefighters from Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue Friday afternoon to show their gratitude for caring for him after he was blown out of his motorhome from a propane explosion the morning of May 1st. Firefighters were initially dispatched to investigate an audible explosion and black smoke in the area of Kingfisher Land and Sparrow Loop at Brook Hollow Park. Fire crews arrived on scene and extinguished the fire in the rear of the 19-foot Class C motorhome, secured the leaking propane bottle(s), and treated Doug for burns to both his arms. He was then transported by ambulance to Peace Health St. John’s Medical Center for further care.
Kyla Shoddy, a Cowlitz 2 volunteer and EMT, and her friend saw the explosion and Mr. Reid from the Coweeman Dike when they were jogging. They immediately responded to render aid to him, assess the scene, and call for help.
Mr. Reid and his wife delivered a specially made firefighter cake and some ice cream for the firefighters and two gift bags with cards to be delivered to Kyla for her and her friend. Mr. Reid is expected to make a full recovery.
