1 dead, structures burned after explosion starts fire at Arizona ranch

A person was found dead after an explosion at a ranch near Seligman that burned a historic hay barn and spread flames to adjacent structures and brush, according to Coconino County sheriff's officials.

Deputies responded to the report of an explosion shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday at Rose Well Camp, north of Seligman on the Boquillas Ranch, sheriff's officials posted on Facebook.

Ranch staff saw the smoke, went to the camp to investigate and found one of the camp houses engulfed in flames, the social media post stated. A ranch staff member's vehicle was parked near a porch. 

Human remains were found in the burned structure while Seligman fire personnel worked to put out the flames. The fire had spread to other adjacent structures, according to the post.

Detectives later processed the scene, and the human remains were removed by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities did not release any identifying information about the remains.

The causes of the fire and death are being investigated by Sheriff’s Office investigators and the county medical examiner.

Reach breaking news editor Mike Cruz at michael.cruz@azcentral.com or on Twitter @mikecnews.