Husband And Wife Lose Their Home in Fire

The Jefferson Volunteer Firefighter Association made a cash donation from their burn out fund to the Huebners' since this was designated as their home.

Photos courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(JEFFERSON) - Jefferson Firefighters were called to a motorhome on fire at the northbound Santiam Rest Area on Interstate-5 near mile marker 241 at approximately 5:50 PM Monday.

Witnesses say the fire was already visible from the motor home's roof when 9-1-1 was called.

Jefferson fire spokeswoman Elaine Parrott says the 1998 40-foot Safari Serengeti Edition motor home is a total loss according to the owners, 76-year-old Robert and 62-year old Carol Heubner of Aloha.

The motor home is insured and its value is estimated at over $100,000.

The contents are also a total loss and its value was not available Parrott said.

"This is a tragic loss for this couple," said Jefferson Fire Division Chief Troy Jurgens.

The Huebners' use the motor home as their home and park it at their son's residence in Aloha when they are not traveling. They belong to a country western band called the "Worthingtons".

They had performed this past weekend in Brownsville at the Cow Pasture Tour which is a benefit for handicapped children.

The Huebners' did this performance for nothing since it is a benefit.

They were on their way back to Aloha when they decided to stop at the rest area for a picnic.

Parrott says they had their meal on a picnic table not too far from the motor home. Carol Huebner said she went to the motor home and made coffee, then went to use the rest area restroom.

When she was returning, she saw flames shooting from the roof of the motor home, Jurgens said. Leaving a coffee pot cooking on the stove unattended was determined as the cause.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries fighting the blaze, no other injuries were reported.