This case involves a portable heater that caused a fire. The plaintiffs were camping in the forest and were sleeping in their van, which was equipped with a bed. They were using a heater to heat the camper. The heater states that it is safe for use in campers and other confined spaces. Plaintiff #1 attached the gas bottle approximately 2 days before the incident. The morning of the incident, plaintiff #2 got up early and was in the process of lighting the heater when it exploded. Plaintiff #1 related that she was awakened by the sound and could see plaintiff #2 on fire. She got up to help him and was also burned. Plaintiff #1 later returned to the scene to retrieve her van and, for safety purposes, disconnected the propane cylinder from the heater. The van, heater and propane cylinder are secured at a storage facility in the condition we found it. The plaintiffs believe the heater may have had a slight leak that allowed the accumulation of gas above the lower explosive limit. Some of these heaters were recalled for that purpose, but not this particular model. However, the model involved in this fire appears to be substantially similar to the recalled models.
Question(s) For Expert Witness
1) Are you familiar with portable heaters, and, if so, have you ever worked on a case involving an explosion involving a portable stove?
Expert Witness Response E-001087
I have investigated numerous portable heater incidents that were powered by various types of fuel, thus I am confident that I have the required expertise for this project. Certainly one would want to check the subject heater and LP cylinder for fit and against exemplars of the connection. I feel sure the connection type is a CGA 600 type which many manufacturers use and for which standard dimensions exist. Another line of inquiry would be to check the odorant in the LP gas. Of course the potential for some degree of user error must also be considered. As I am sure you are aware, it is very important that the subject parts be preserved and not refitted without proper notice to, and involvement of, potentially involved parties.
About the author
Joseph O'Neill
Joe has extensive experience in online journalism and technical writing across a range of legal topics, including personal injury, meidcal malpractice, mass torts, consumer litigation, commercial litigation, and more. Joe spent close to six years working at Expert Institute, finishing up his role here as Director of Marketing. He has considerable knowledge across an array of legal topics pertaining to expert witnesses. Currently, Joe servces as Owner and Demand Generation Consultant at LightSail Consulting.
