Motor Home Fire Damages Church, Spreads to Neighboring Yard

A mechanical malfunction is likely to blame for a fire that consumed motor home and spread to the Bethel Family Christian Center in Livermore this morning, Livermore Pleasanton Fire Battalion Chief Paul Legasa said

The blaze was reported at 501 N “P” St. at about 10:42 a.m. When fire crews arrived, the motor home, which was parked adjacent to an exterior wall, was fully involved in fire.

“The fire and smoke had breached into the interior and attic via the windows and attic vents of a wing attached to the main sanctuary,” Legasa said. “Interior fire spread was contained and extinguished by interior fire attack engine companies, and also truck companies on the roof.”

According to Legasa, the main sanctuary was not damaged and the church was not occupied at the time of the fire.

“Damage was contained to a wing of the church that contained classrooms and other support facilities,” Legasa said. “Interior fire spread was also limited by the good housekeeping and storage practices of the Bethel Family Christian Center. This fire did spread to the rear yard of a neighboring residence, and was extinguished before damaging the home.”

Legasa said that based on the witness statements and investigation by fire officials, the fire was likely caused due to a mechanical malfunction when the operator of the motor home tried to start the vehicle.

“There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters,” Legasa said. “A dollar loss has not yet been determined.”

Photos courtesy Livermore Pleasanton Fire BC