Welders Start Fire at RV Storage Facilty

Firefighters managed to save a number of recreational vehicles parked at a large indoor storage facility in Mission Viejo from an early-morning fire today that was caused by welders, a fire department captain said.

The blaze was inside the indoor RV storage facility in the 25700 block of Jeronimo Road. It was reported about 7:25 a.m., said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

“It was determined the fire was caused by welders who conducting some sort of operation on the vault,” Concialdi said.

“We always tell folks that if you are going to do any kind of welding inside a building you should also have a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher nearby in case an accident happens,” Concialdi advised.

“We also need anyone doing welding to check the wall or area where they were working for hot spots before they leave or take a break.”

The OCFA dispatched 55 firefighters to the two-alarm blaze and knocked down the flames by 8:10 a.m., Concialdi said.

“Firefighters managed to keep the fire contained to a large vault area and an nearby wall, and away from the RVs,” Concialdi related. “They also used large fans to air out the facility and save the RVs from smoke damage.”

No injuries were reported.

The blaze caused an estimated $50,000 in damages to the building, Concialdi added.

City News Service