Motorhome Destroyed by Fire at I-5 Rest Area

The RV owner was able to get out safely and rescued his cat in the process.

Photo courtesy: Elizabeth Jones/Jefferson Fire

(JEFFERSON, Ore.) - A 1979 Dodge Explorer motor home was destroyed Sunday afternoon by a fire that started in the engine compartment, according to Elizabeth Jones with the Jefferson Fire District.

Firefighters responded at 1:23 p.m. to the incident at the rest area near exit 241 on I-5 northbound.

Jones says the motor home, owned by Washington resident Charles Rogers, was heavily involved when firefighters arrived on scene.

"Albany and Turner Fire Departments assisted with the incident, along with Oregon State Police and the Oregon Department of Transportation."

She says Rogers evacuated the motor home when smoke began pouring from the engine after he tried to start it multiple times without success.

"He also rescued his cat from the motor home, and there were no injuries."

The motor home and its contents were completely destroyed, Jones said, but firefighters kept the blaze from spreading to the Jeep that was attached to the motor home. Damages are estimated at less than $5,000.