La Pine shop building goes up in flames

A La Pine shop building used for an RV repair business went up in flames early Sunday morning, but a person inside awoke to heavy smoke and was able to escape unhurt, fire officials said.

The La Pine Rural Fire Protection District responded shortly before 5:30 a.m. to the reported structure fire in the 52500 block of Skidgel Road, said Fire Chief Mike Supkis.

First crews arrived to find a 30-by-40 foot metal shop building fully involved and threatening vehicles on the west and south sides and a home just 10 feet away, Supkis said.

A person living in an RV inside the shop had awakened to heavy smoke and was able to escape unharmed, the fire chief said, adding that no injuries were reported.

A total of 14 La Pine firefighters responded to the scene, including three engines, two water tenders and other units. The Sunriver Fire Department provided an additional engine and three firefighters.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.