×

Fire at SW Minot home started by using propane torch near hot tub

Eloise Ogden/MDN Minot firefighters are shown at the site of a house fire in southwest Minot on Oct. 31. Minot Fire Department officials said a propane torch being used near an outdoor hot tub caused the fire.

A fire that extensively damaged a home in southwest Minot on Oct. 31 started when an occupant of the home used a propane torch to heat up a section of pipe for a hot tub, according to officials with the City of Minot’s Fire Department.

An investigation showed that the fire originated near a hot tub outside the home at 1804 Aspen Circle, then quickly spread to the insulation around the hot tub. The wind conditions and location of the hot tub led to the fire spreading to the exterior of the home and then into the attic, which eventually resulted in a roof collapse.

The home suffered extensive structural damage. City of Minot building officials determined the home was unsafe to enter until repairs recommended by a structural engineer were completed. The site was turned over to the homeowner on Nov. 1.

Crews from all four Minot Fire Department stations battled the fire on Oct. 31. They were assisted by the Minot Police Department, the Minot Water Department, Community Ambulance, MDU and Xcel Energy.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today