SOUTHAMPTON — A 32-foot-long camper was destroyed in a fire Sunday evening that investigators say may have been caused by mice compromising its electrical systems.
Firefighters responding to the 41 Strong Road property, where the trailer was plugged into a detached garage, were able to protect the garage from significant damage.
Southampton Fire Chief John Workman said Monday that two Southampton fire engines and an ambulance went to the scene in response to 911 calls from neighbors shortly after 8 p.m., discovering flames rising 15 feet into the air at the location near the intersection with Old Harvest Road.
Firefighters immediately focused attention on the part of the camper closest to the garage.
“The trailer is a total loss, but we protected the exposure,” Workman said, adding that there was some minor damage to the garage’s siding and windows, but otherwise the building, and what is stored inside, was intact. “So that was good.”
The camper was plugged into the building, a not uncommon practice for those who use their trailers on a regular basis. The fire marshal’s office investigation determined that the fire was not suspicious.
“It looks to be electrical, with the good possibility of mice,” Workman said.
Workman explained that mice can chew through wires. He said preventive measures, in cases of signs of rodents, include using dryer sheets to keep them away.
Firefighters were on scene for about two hours, bringing the blaze under control in 15 minutes, then hitting hot spots that remained.
“It’s a blessing no one got hurt, it’s a blessing the trailer can be replaced and it’s a blessing the garage only has superficial damage,” Workman said.
