One dead in RV fire at “the Flats” in Malheur County
By Logan Bagett on Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News Northeastern Oregon Top Stories
ONTARIO – (Press Release from the Malheur County Sheriff’s Office)
The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is investigating a fatal fire that occurred this morning at a known encampment area referred to as the Flats, located at 1187 NW 22nd Ave.
At 8:14 a.m., MCSO received a 911 call reporting a camp trailer engulfed in flames. Law enforcement, fire, and medical personnel were promptly dispatched to the scene. Ontario Fire and Rescue arrived at 8:21 a.m. and immediately began fire suppression efforts.
Once the fire was extinguished and the scene was deemed safe to enter at approximately 9:14 a.m., personnel tragically discovered one deceased individual inside an RV. Authorities are currently working to positively identify the victim.
The MCSO, in collaboration with the Oregon State Fire Marshal, will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Initial assessments indicate significant fire damage to a house on the property, as well as to three or more camp trailers/RVs.
The Flats, a collection of privately-owned properties, has been an area of concern for the MCSO, which has been actively working to address issues related to the encampments. These efforts have involved partnerships with Community in Action and Lifeways to provide mental health support, drug rehabilitation services, and housing options to residents. However, Sheriff Travis Johnson acknowledged the challenges, stating, “The Flats is a difficult place. It is a very dangerous place as we have witnessed today. It is a fire hazard, environmental hazard, a health hazard, and a quality of life issue for the neighborhood. We have to continue our efforts to clean these encampments up so we don’t have another tragedy like we had today. We offer our condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual that lost their life today.”
Response efforts were spearheaded by Ontario Fire and Rescue, with crucial mutual aid assistance provided by Vale, Oregon; Fruitland, Payette, and Parma, Idaho; and Canyon County, Idaho fire departments. The MCSO also received valuable support from the Ontario Police Department and the Oregon State Police.
The Malheur County Sheriff’s Office and Ontario Fire and Rescue extend their sincere gratitude to all partner agencies for their swift response and dedicated efforts.
(Press Release from Chief Clint Benson of Ontario Fire & Rescue)
On April 23, 2025, at 08:15, Ontario Fire & Rescue (OFR) and Treasure Valley Paramedics (TVP) were dispatched to 1187 NW 22nd Avenue for an RV on fire threatening a residence. OFR Rescue One (crew of two) and Command 105 responded. While in route to the scene, OFR Command requested a general page, alerting all part-time and off-duty firefighters of the need for additional resources. The property is located outside of city limits, so fire hydrants were not available for water supply. 105 arrived on scene to find two RVs fully involved, one RV partially involved, a utility trailer fully involved, and a single-family residence partially involved. There were several explosions occurring from propane bottles at the scene. 105 requested mutual aid from Payette, Vale, Fruitland, and Parma. Four engines, four tenders, one ambulance, and two support vehicles worked together to extinguish the fires. The scene is currently secured, and the investigation will continue for several hours. Malheur County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation along with the Oregon State Police and the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Office. There were no injuries to first responders during the suppression operation.
Fire Chief Clint Benson
