It was a dramatic start to the Friday commute for drivers on southbound I-75 near Charlotte County this morning. Around 10:31 a.m., an RV burst into flames near mile marker 170, forcing a temporary shutdown of the exit ramp. Charlotte County Fire & EMS arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed on the right shoulder. Emergency crews acted fast to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to what really mattered: the trailer and ATVs being towed behind the RV.
By the time the smoke cleared, the property was safe. The trailer and ATVs escaped without damage, and the one person involved was checked out at the scene but declined transport to a hospital. Fire investigators have ruled the cause accidental, pointing to a mechanical issue as the trigger. Routine RV travel took a dangerous turn, but the outcome could have been far worse if not for the fast response from local firefighters.
With Labor Day weekend behind us and snowbird season on the horizon, this is a good moment to think about your own vehicle. RV fires are more common than people realize, often caused by worn wiring, overheating engines, or tire blowouts. If you tow anything on our local highways, a simple walk-around before you head out can make all the difference. Have you ever had a mechanical issue while towing something on I-75 or another local road? Share your story with us.
