(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic firefighters were called to battle a blaze Friday afternoon shortly after 1:00 pm., Friday. When they arrived, a recreational vehicle parked in the driveway behind the house at 214 W. 14th Street. Thick black smoke was visible for several blocks before firefighters arrived.

According to Atlantic Fire Chief Tom Cappel, the owner of a 2001 Dutchman RV had just plugged the vehicle’s water heater in for the first time this season. The fire was observed shortly thereafter. And, while the damage was too extensive to determine the exact cause of the blaze, Cappel says the water heater is suspect.

The fire caused extensive damage to a nearby Ford Ranger pickup, and rendered unsalvageable a riding lawn mower. Firefighters used foam to snuff out the flames. They were on the scene for about 30-to 45-minutes.

No injuries were reported.