Oregon Woman’s RV Destroyed in Fire: A Hard Lesson About Heater Safety

Darlene Liedtke, an Oregon City resident, is rebuilding her life after losing everything in an RV fire caused by a small space heater. According to Clackamas Fire, the fire likely started because the heater wasn’t properly connected to the propane tank, though Liedtke believed she had taken the right precautions.

On the night of November 29, Liedtke used her propane-powered “Little Buddy” heater to warm up her RV. She cracked a window, checked for leaks, and ensured there was no smell of propane before turning it on. However, the heater caught fire at the connection to the propane tank. She threw the heater and tank outside but was unable to prevent her RV from catching fire.

When she heard popping sounds, Liedtke discovered her RV was engulfed in flames. Risking her safety, she tried to save her two cats, Pixie and Penny. She was able to rescue Pixie, who was severely burned, but her younger cat Penny has not been found, leaving Liedtke hopeful that she escaped the blaze.

Weeks later, Liedtke is cleaning up the debris and trying to find someone to haul away the burnt RV. She has received help from her community, including a GoFundMe campaign and a local craft fair raising funds for her recovery. Despite the tragedy, she is grateful for the support of her family and friends.

Following her experience, Liedtke warns other RV owners about the dangers of propane heaters and says she will never use one again.

Safety Tips for Using Heaters in an RV

• Ventilation is key: Always keep a window cracked or a vent open to prevent carbon monoxide buildup when using heaters.
• Use RV-safe heaters: Stick to electric heaters with safety certifications designed for indoor use. Avoid propane heaters unless they’re specifically made for enclosed spaces.
• Inspect equipment regularly: Check hoses, connections, and tanks for wear, leaks, or damage.
• Install detectors: Equip your RV with working carbon monoxide and propane gas detectors.
• Have an emergency plan: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and make sure you know the quickest way to exit the RV in case of fire.
• Don’t leave heaters unattended: Never run a heater while you’re sleeping or away from the RV.