Lebanon Firefighters responded to a motorhome fire Monday, March 6, off Highway 20.
The single occupant of the motorhome was sleeping when the blaze broke out. He tried frantically to stop the fire while looking for his dog before escaping. When the incident commander arrived, the motorhome was fully involved with exposures to the back and side of the RV.
While the IC was doing his 360 walk-around, he found residents of the property trying to cool down one of the exposures that housed the homeowner’s belongings. Firefighters arrived and began battling the blaze which also caught a vehicle and detached garage on fire. Medics on scene evaluated and transported the single occupant of the motorhome to a local area hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. His dog did not escape and was later found by firefighters.
The fire was under control in about 20 minutes and crews remained on scene for little over hour afterwards mopping-up hot spots and investigating. Highway 20 was closed in all directions during the incident and traffic was detoured around the scene due to supply lines from the hydrant and for firefighter safety. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Lebanon Fire District responded with one truck company, one engine, three ALS medic units, one heavy rescue and a rehab unit for firefighters, along with three staff officer vehicles. Firefighters were assisted at the scene by Oregon Dept. of Transportation, Lebanon Police Department and PP&L while Albany Fire Department helped protect the citizens of Lebanon.
LFD reminds everyone the importance of properly using space heaters by having adequate space around them and only plugging them directly into an outlet. Working smoke detectors in proper areas, including in recreational vehicles, is also required.