When disaster strikes, quick decisions can have unintended consequences. That was the case in Orofino, Idaho, on Sunday, July 13, when a motorhome’s brakes caught fire and the driver pulled over—unintentionally parking next to a fifth wheel. Moments later, both RVs were engulfed in flames. The dramatic fire serves as a vivid reminder of how fast things can escalate—and how critical vehicle maintenance becomes during periods of extreme heat.
Motorhome brake fire also destroys fifth wheel
Last Sunday, July 13, Orofino, Idaho, was the setting of a double-RV fire. The motorhome’s brakes caught fire. The driver pulled over to the side of the roadway, where an unfortunate fifth wheel was sitting in the shade of some large trees.
The rest is fiery history. Both the motorhome and the towable rig were completely destroyed.
Multiple agencies responded to the conflagration. When it was all over, they issued a perhaps understated official statement: “[It’s] a reminder to the public about the importance of regular vehicle maintenance,” says a report carried by Dailyfly, “especially during extreme heat, noting that fires can ignite from unexpected sources.”
RELATED
- Watch RV fire unfold from above in sobering drone footage
- Rats! RV fire blamed on rodents. Here’s how to protect your rig
- Tragic RV fire: One child killed and another injured after possibly being left alone
- Heartbreak in Texas as 4-year-old dies in RV fire
- All about RV fire extinguishers
- RV fires can start with bees and pests—be aware!
- Ask Dave: What is the best RV fire extinguisher?
- Cautionary RV tale: Man blown out of rig fighting RV fire
RVT1218b
Another sad story of loss to fire in an RV! It would be interesting to know the actual cause of this – i.e., swollen rubber brake line, improper braking on a mountain grade, sticking or stuck pads due to corrosion in the wheel cylinder etc, etc.. A simple statement about timely maintenance doesn’t tell the story – just a theory. I can understand the driver wanting to stop and get out ASAP – unfortunate stopping place for both Rv’s. Sad, and I hope no one was physically hurt.
This is why a TPMS with temperature alarms can be so important. It is so much better to get an alarm and pull over before things get out of hand.
Thank you for the news, Russ and Tina, and especially for the reminder that some choices can worsen bad situations. Have a great day and safe travels!