Burning RV causes clouds of smoke, explosions in Rifle

RIFLE, Colorado – A crowd of customers from WingNutz Bar and Grill stood outside the restaurant Sunday afternoon when the odor of burning rubber and billowing clouds of black smoke rose through the air across the street above Highway 13 in north Rifle.

The fire occurred behind a residential home at 265 W. 24th St. According to Fire Chief Mike Morgan, it involved an RV behind a residential unit that had caught on fire. The Rifle Fire Protection District got a call about the fire from dispatch at 3:06 p.m. and were on scene by 3:08 p.m.

Several loud explosions were heard coming from the scene behind the home upon the hill.

“It was propane tanks and tires blowing,” Morgan said. “The fire apparently started in the engine. Vehicle fires are extremely noisy, and there are lots of booms and pops. “

The flames were extinguished by 3:15 p.m., and crews cleared the scene shortly after 5 p.m. No people or pet injuries were reported.

“There was no damage to the house, but it was definitely at risk,” Morgan said.