Preston home explosion: Homeowner dies of his burn injuries

Home explosions and fires occur far too frequently in the United States.

Here is a look at an August home explosion and fire that recently claimed the life of a devoted family man in eastern Iowa:

Homeowner and family man Daniel Miller died because of third-degree burn injuries he sustained August 16 in a Preston home explosion in eastern Iowa. Miller, 39, is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Preston home explosion:
Homeowner dies of injuries

From news services: On August 16, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in Iowa responded to a Preston home explosion. On Wednesday, homeowner Daniel Miller died from the third-degree burn injuries he suffered over 95 percent of his body.

Miller, 39, was alone in his home on the 3900 block of Highway 64 when the house became engulfed in flames after the explosion. Miller, who built the house about three years ago, was able to exit the structure at some point and flagged down a truck that was passing by. The driver called 911 for Miller, and he was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Preston home explosion:
Probable gas leak

In a recently distributed news release, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office released more details about the blaze:

According to Jackson County Sheriff Russ Kettmann, the fire broke out around noon. Deputies responded to the scene along with numerous local fire departments to discover the house completely engulfed in flames.

Miller was able to speak with deputies before he was airlifted University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Miller reportedly told the Sheriff’s Office that the only thing he could remember before the explosion was lighting a candle.

This information, along with scene analysis done by the Preston Fire Department, suggests that the source of the explosion probably was a gas leak.

“Everything is still up in the air as to what caused the fire,” said Bill Yaddof, fire chief of the Preston Volunteer Fire Department. “Nothing is confirmed.”

Preston home explosion:
Massive investigation

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in its investigation by the Iowa Fire Marshall, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Preston Police, Preston Fire and Ambulance, Miles Fire, Maquoketa Fire, Jackson County Regional Health Ambulance, Sabula Fire, Springbrook Fire, Charlotte Fire, Goose Lake Fire, and Air Care.

Gas leaks typically are caused by faulty appliances, usually when the appliance was poorly fitted or badly maintained. The best defense against gas leaks is to regularly inspect appliances for sign of wear and tear, as well as make sure that they are installed by accredited engineers.

The easiest sign of a gas leak in the home is the smell of gas, which is generally accompanied by dizziness and nausea that is caused by carbon monoxide.

Preston home explosion:
Miller buried Saturday

Miller was buried Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Preston, according to an obituary provided by Law Jones Funeral Home. He is survived by his wife, their two daughters, his parents, his two sisters, and his wife’s family. His obituary states that his life was all about his wife, kids and building a strong and loving family.

Preston is a town of about 1,000 people midway between Davenport and Dubuque near the Illinois border in eastern Iowa.