Motor homes catch fire morning of June 7 in Pendleton

Published 2:15 pm Friday, June 7, 2024

PENDLETON — A fire that started around 11 a.m. Friday, June 7, in one motor home in Pendleton spread to a second.

Pendleton Fire Chief Tony Pierotti said it was unknown at the time if anyone was injured in the fire.

Pendleton firefighters and police officers responded to a report of fire at a motor home behind NAPA Auto Parts, 144 SW 20th St. An explosion at the scene prompted speculation the motor home’s propane tanks were bursting, but Pierotti said the sound likely was from the tires of the motor home exploding.

Although the fire started in one motor home, another was exposed, and the blaze destroyed the majority of the contents and structure of both vehicles. NAPA Auto Parts and a nearby building, however, remained unscathed.

Police blocked Southwest 20th Street near the intersection with Court Avenue.

While the cause of the fire is unknown, Pierotti said it might have been from an electrical malfunction or human neglect.

“We probably won’t figure out the cause of this fire,” he added.