Volunteer firefighters kept a fire that started in a camper from spreading to nearby woods on a day when the fire danger was exceptionally high.
The fire was reported just before 12 Noon at 1699 Shelton Mission Road, about a half mile from the Old Mountain Road intersection. The Camp Creek, Sunnyside, and Debusk Volunteer Fire Departments responded.
The camper was fully engulfed and flames had spread to nearby trees. The National Weather Service had issued an elevated fire danger due to low humidity and gusty winds. The fire had spread to a small area in the adjacent woods, but was quickly contained in about fifteen minutes.
Steve Riddle reported he was able to get he and his dog out of the 2008 Salem camper without injury.
Riddle was checked by EMS but refused treatment or transport. Riddle reported items piled up near a small electric heater may be where the fire started.
The camper was valued at $8,000. The burned Nissan 3ZR is valued at $3,500, according to a Sheriff’s Department report.
Arson investigator Bryan Shelton will continue the investigation today.
