Explosions Leave NH Man in Critical Condition

Tag : Nh Fuse

A New Hampshire man was listed in critical condition with severeburns Friday after several explosions inside his home. The blastsand resulting fire gutted the mobile home, but so far fireofficials are not certain what caused the explosions.
Police do know that Scott Bowlan, 44, manufactured smoke bombs outof his home in Newport. But Thursday afternoon, it is apparent thatsomething went terribly wrong.
Caution tape surrounds the trailer where the accident took place.Neighbors heard at least four loud explosions coming from insidethe home, then called 9-1-1.
"Upon arrival they found a fully involved fire back of a trailer,with a gentlemen in the door yard that was burned over 50 percentof his body," explained Newport Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Conroy.
Fire officials say the victim was known to make smoke bombs in thepast. They are legal in the state of New Hampshire. However, it isnot known at this time if smoke bombs caused the explosions.
"He's been known to set off smoke bombs. At this point now therewere devices found inside the home," said Conroy. "There wassomething found in the trail that I can't let you know about rightnow."
Authorities are investigating whether a permit was required on thepremises. Smoke bombs, however, are sold in stores that do NOTrequire a permit-- though, they can still be dangerous.
"You can buy a lot of class C fireworks over the counter. A lot ofpeople don't realize just how explosive they can be. So use extremecaution when you're using them," Conroy advised, especially withthe Fourth of July right around the corner.
Employees at fireworks stores also stress the need for safety.
"You need to be careful lighting the fuse so you can get awayquickly enough. With some of the smaller cakes you need to securethem with bricks. Put them on plywood, because they are overloadedso they can tip over very easily. You always want to make sure thatevery shot is gone before you check things. Before you even thinkof throwing things away, you want to water them down with a hose,"said Dan Obey Noise 'R' Us.
Authorities also said it is a good idea to let you local firedepartment know when you are lighting off fireworks.
Bowlan had done so in the past but officials say said he did NOTnotify them of anything Thursday.