GARDEN CITY, Utah, Jan. 2, 2019 (Gephardt Daily) — The Rich County Sheriff’s Office has identified the 66-year-old man who died Wednesday in a fire at his home.
The victim was Harry Samuel Hazard. The fire was discovered by a home health care nurse who was arriving for a scheduled therapy appointment.
“The nurse stated that when she opened the door to the apartment she was forced back by heavy smoke and intense heat,” a statement from the Rich County Sheriff’s Office says.
“A responding deputy entered the living room of the home and located the male deceased on the floor. Responding Garden City Fire District firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire and prevent its spread.”
The Utah State Fire Marshall’s Office determined the fire originated in a reclining couch where a cigarette was found.
“A home medical oxygen device was located next to the couch and appears to have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread,” the RCSO statement says. “The fire was contained to the living room but caused significant smoke damage throughout the structure.”
Hazard’s service dog was found on the second level of the residence.
“The dog, when located, was experiencing difficult and labored breathing,” the RCSO statement says. “Firefighters removed the dog from the home and EMS personnel administered high flow oxygen. The dog was transported to a Veterinarian in Montpelier, Idaho where it is expected to recover.”
