Someone huffing paint fumes apparently caused a house fire Monday afternoon that sent two people to Rapid City Regional Hospital, according to Rapid City Fire Department Battalion Chief Rob Powell.
The resident of the home, Harley Ottersetter, 67, suffered smoke inhalation, according to police and fire department officials.
A woman who was visiting him suffered minor burns on her legs, Powell said. Neither he nor police had her identity.
The fire, in a small rental house at 620 East Blvd., was reported just before 4 p.m.
When firefighters arrived, no flames were visible.
They found Ottersetter inside in the kitchen where a small fire had started, Powell said. Firefighters found the woman in another room.
"It appeared there was some paint huffing going on," Powell said. The preliminary investigation indicated the paint fumes ignited, he said.
Damage was limited to a burned spot in the kitchen floor, Powell said.
The investigation is continuing.
Police Sgt. Chris DeGroote said it was not likely anyone would be arrested.
Posted in Local on Sunday, February 3, 2008 11:00 pm
© Copyright 2009, rapidcityjournal.com, 507 Main Street Rapid City, SD | Terms of Service and Privacy Policy