A family was thrust into a dire situation on their way to Prescott as their RV caught fire on I-17 near Loop 101 in north Phoenix. However, they emerged without injuries, FOX 10 Phoenix reported. The incident occurred on the morning of July 26 when Rick and Beth Reed noticed a tire on their RV had blown, leading to a fire that rapidly engulfed the vehicle and necessitated a hasty evacuation for them and their dog.
While the fire was so intense that the Reeds could not salvage their personal belongings, with explosives sounds heard from a safe distance, Rick Reed described the scene to FOX 10 Phoenix as "Just black smoke, and then explosions, and it was just crazy," Additionally, the car they were towing was also consumed by the blaze.
Despite the complete loss of their vehicle and possessions, the Reeds were met with overwhelming community support, where about 25 to 30 people came forward to help following the incident according to Rick's account, from firefighters battling the flames to local establishment staff offering assistance and comfort, "You don't hear about the good ones all the time, and more people need to know that, that they are there," Rick told FOX 10 Phoenix.
In connection with the RV fire, a vehicle blaze on eastbound Loop 101 at milepost 23 had led to the closure of the ramp to southbound I-17 that same morning, as reported by ABC15, causing traffic disruptions but fortunately with no injuries reported the Arizona Department of Public Safety is looking into the matter while the Arizona Department of Transportation has yet to provide a timeframe for when the ramp will reopen, with motorists being advised to seek alternative routes to avoid delays.
The Reed family, although shaken, is focused on the fact that they escaped harm, Rick confirmed they have insurance to cover their financial losses, emphasizing, "our survival was paramount and that's all he cares about," in his statement to FOX 10 Phoenix.
