Fire destroys RV: Homeowner was vacuuming leaves when spark ignited gas can
Published 10:23 am Wednesday, February 22, 2017
- An Austin firefighter puts water on what remains of an RV that burned Tuesday evening. A garage was slightly damaged as well as a nearby fence. Photos by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
An early evening fire claimed a parked recreation vehicle and damaged a nearby garage and fence Tuesday.
The Austin Fire Department was dispatched to the 2100 block of First Avenue NE and upon arrival saw intense flames and smoke rising from the 1978 Dodge motorhome. The call came just after 6 p.m.
“The camper was well involved,” said Fire Chief Jim McCoy.
Austin firefighters pull apart what remains of an RV looking for hotspots Tuesday evening.
According to homeowner Gary Mandgaard, the RV belonged to three other people and he was letting them park the vehicle in his driveway.
According to Austin police, the homeowner was vacuuming up leaves in his driveway when a spark from the vacuum created a fire in a nearby gas can. The fire quickly spread to the vehicle.
The RV was a complete loss and a small corner of the garage was damaged. A nearby fence also suffered heat damage.
Deb Nicklay contributed to this report.
