ATASCADERO — A burning motorhome sent a black plume of smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles Thursday morning, Nov. 14. It took approximately 45 minutes for the Atascadero Fire Department to contain the fire that had spread to a nearby metal storage building and vegetation.

The fire was at a vehicle storage yard in the 6500 block of Via Avenue in Atascadero and reported at 10:17 a.m. by several people to 911. Fire crews remained at the scene for approximately two hours.

Access to the vehicle was down a long and narrow driveway with multiple vehicles and various storage buildings.

Sixteen firefighters, two engines and two command vehicles from AFD, one engine from Atascadero State Hospital and three Atascadero Police Department vehicles responded to the fire.

AFD estimated the property value saved at $20,000 to nearby vehicles. The fire started in or near the motorhome, according to AFD, and the cause is being investigated.