Fire Destroys Multiple RVs at Minnesota Campground
Keith Lusher 04.28.25
A peaceful afternoon at Shades of Sherwood Campground turned disastrous on April 16 when a fire destroyed several camping trailers. The incident occurred at the popular outdoor destination located between Zumbrota and Wanamingo in southern Minnesota.
According to local authorities, emergency responders were dispatched to the scene just after 4:15 p.m. following reports of burning leaves threatening nearby recreational vehicles. By the time first responders arrived, the situation had escalated dramatically, with several large camping trailers fully engulfed in flames.
Zumbrota police officers immediately worked to ensure all campers were safely evacuated from the affected vehicles while firefighters from both Zumbrota and Wanamingo fire departments battled the blaze. Additional support arrived from the Goodhue County Sheriff’s Office and Zumbrota Area Ambulance Service as the fire threatened to spread to other areas of the campground.
Firefighting teams managed to bring the situation under control shortly after 5 p.m., though several RVs suffered extensive damage and were considered total losses. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
While the investigation remains ongoing, preliminary findings suggest that improperly discarded smoking materials may have ignited dry leaves near the campers. Officials believe a discarded cigarette was the likely culprit, though they continue to gather evidence to determine the exact cause.
“We are thankful that there were no injuries on scene and grateful for the teamwork by all involved,” the Zumbrota Fire Department stated after the incident.
Campfire Safety: Protecting Your Outdoor Adventure
This incident serves as a sobering reminder about fire safety at campgrounds. Here are important precautions every camper should take:
-Always keep a properly rated fire extinguisher easily accessible in your RV or tent. The National Fire Protection Association recommends a minimum 5-pound ABC-type extinguisher for recreational vehicles. Check your extinguisher’s pressure gauge regularly to ensure it’s properly charged.
-When handling any flammable materials—including cigarettes—always dispose of them in designated receptacles. Never toss smoking materials onto the ground, especially in dry conditions when leaves and other debris can quickly ignite.
-Establish a cleared area around any fire pit or grill, removing leaves, pine needles, and other combustible materials. Many experienced campers follow the “10-foot rule”—keeping all flammable items at least 10 feet from any heat source.
-Familiarize yourself with the campground’s emergency procedures and the location of water sources. Some campgrounds, following best practices, have installed dry hydrants or designated water access points to help firefighters respond quickly to emergencies.
Remember that even a small spark can lead to devastating consequences in outdoor settings. By maintaining vigilance and following proper safety protocols, campers can help ensure their outdoor adventures remain memorable for all the right reasons.
