Florida man’s RV burns south of Ukiah, closes Highway 101

The RV's driver initially believed the smoke he smelled Sunday was from the Northern California wildfires.|
RANDI ROSSMANN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A Florida man’s high-end recreational vehicle was destroyed Sunday when it caught fire on Highway 101 near Ukiah, temporarily shutting down the northbound lanes.

The driver was on a cross-country trip, visiting friends when he began smelling smoke around 2 p.m. Believing the smell was coming from the Northern California wildfires, he kept driving, Ukiah Valley Fire Capt. John Strangio said Monday.

A few minutes later, near the Highway 253 offramp, he realized it was his vehicle burning and pulled over.

Firefighters arrived to find flames throughout the RV. They shut down the two northbound lanes for about 30 minutes as they battled the blaze.

Strangio said the 2007 RV had extensive features, and he estimated the loss at $500,000. Friends picked up the driver, who escaped injuries.

The fire appeared to have started in the RV’s kitchen, Strangio said.

- Randi Rossmann

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