A mobile home camped at Jefferson County Fairgrounds was destroyed in a fire around 1 a.m. on March 9.

Units of East Jefferson Fire Rescue responded to the fire near the Jackman Street entrance to the fairgrounds after the neighbor of the man inside heard him yelling to call 911.

“His motorhome was on fire next to mine,” said Steve Johansen, who saw the flames and called the authorities.

The man was able to escape, but sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Jefferson Healthcare for further evaluation and treatment.

The cause of the fire has not yet been identified.

According to Assistant Fire Chief Ted Krysinski, the materials used in the interiors of RVs can be highly flammable, creating an additional hazard on top of the on-board propane and fuel for the engine.

“Because they can burn very quickly and intensively, it is especially important to be firewise if you are living in one or using it for recreation,” he said in a press release from EJFR.

The statement added, “Always have smoke alarms. Keep a fire extinguisher in the living quarters where you have easy access to it. Watch out for potential hazards such as smoldering ashes from cigarettes, unattended candles, and stoves left on after cooking.”

Johansen said he went to visit the owner of the RV at the hospital and that he “seemed to be doing fine.”

“I’m just glad he was able to get out and wake me up,” Johansen said. “He lost his motorhome, but everyone was fine.”