Charlotte County firefighters save ATVs after RV erupts in flames on I-75

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A recreational vehicle caught fire on a busy interstate Friday morning, briefly shutting down an exit ramp.

Charlotte County Fire & EMS responded at 10:31 a.m. to a vehicle fire on southbound I-75 near mile marker 170.

Crews spotted a column of smoke while on their way and arrived to find an RV fully engulfed in flames on the right shoulder, just past Exit 170.

The RV was towing a trailer carrying ATVs at the time of the fire.

The southbound exit ramp was temporarily closed while firefighters worked to put out the flames.

Crews got the fire under control and managed to keep the trailer and ATVs from sustaining any damage.

One person was checked out at the scene but turned down a ride to the hospital.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental and mechanical in nature.

Charlotte County Fire & EMS is reminding RV owners to regularly inspect their engine, fuel lines and electrical system before hitting the road and to deal with any leaks, unusual odors or warning lights right away.

Officials also recommend keeping a working fire extinguisher somewhere easy to reach.