Escondido
A 46-year-old Escondido man suffered second- and third-degree burns Sunday, when his three-bedroom home burst into flames after a propane explosion that destroyed the home and everything inside, authorities said.
The loss was estimated at $300,000.
Osborne Robert Milner, who lived on Stonehurst Drive in a rural area of north Escondido, was listed in fair condition Monday in the burn unit of UC San Diego Medical Center with second-degree burns to his forehead and third-degree burns on his arms and legs.
Fire units from Deer Springs and San Marcos responded to the report of an explosion and fire at 10:23 a.m. Sunday, and upon arrival, found the home engulfed in flames, said Sgt. Kate Nolan, spokeswoman for the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Milner was found lying on the ground near the southeast corner of the residence, Nolan said. He was taken by ambulance to Palomar Hospital and from there was flown by Life Flight helicopter to the burn unit of UCSD Medical Center.
After he awoke Sunday morning, Milner lit a cigarette, which triggered an immediate explosion and fire, Nolan said. However, an investigation into possible arson is continuing, she said.
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