Electrical Short Ignites Fire at Bish’s RV Dealership in Jerome

A fire that erupted at a Jerome, Idaho, recreational vehicle dealership led to notable losses after an accidental electrical short in a Class C motorhome triggered sudden flames on April 8–9, 2025. Employees at Bish’s RV noted that dark smoke quickly rose into the sky, creating a visible plume over the city.

The blaze spread through adjacent vehicles and ultimately destroyed three units the official account indicates, and investigators later examined the site to determine precisely where and how the initial spark began.

The Idaho State Fire Marshal’s Office announced that the incident was accidental, pointing to an accidental electrical short in one of the parked RVs. State Fire Marshal Knute Sandahl credited employees’ quick thinking for containing the fire until emergency responders arrived.

No injuries resulted, as quick action by dealership personnel helped limit the threat before firefighters arrived, according to described findings. Local responders from the Jerome Rural Fire Department contained the flames within about 25 minutes with support from the Jerome City Fire Department.

Common industry practices recommend establishing proactive inspection routines to detect wiring defects early, particularly in motorhomes that rely on complex electrical systems. Regular checks for damaged insulation, unnoticed overheating, and other warning signs can reduce the risk of incidents like this one.

Experts similarly advise training staff members to recognize unusual odors, flickering lights, or hot surfaces that might indicate a developing short. By implementing standardized checklists for interior and exterior wiring, businesses can address small issues before they escalate.

Many in the field note that regularly updated data from a recognized fire safety authority indicates a significant portion of RV or campground fires can be traced to insufficient electrical maintenance and irregular inspection intervals. Some professionals suggest scheduling routine system checks to identify hazards, such as damaged insulation or worn-out cabling, before they lead to serious incidents.

Official fire safety or building code guidelines often recommend a minimum distance of several feet between parked units to hamper rapid flame spread. This approach parallels the advice to develop internal response protocols, including steps for notifying authorities, using fire extinguishers, and safely guiding people away from danger in the event of a sudden emergency.

Dealership General Manager Marc Kinnison expressed thanks to emergency crews for their swift intervention. Investigators stated that although multiple recreational vehicles were lost, responsive actions prevented a more expansive crisis.

Meanwhile, additional reminders highlight the importance of placing RVs in a way that limits the spread of flames if one catches fire. When vehicles are positioned too closely, an ignition in one can more easily jump to another before responders can intervene.

Adequate distancing can create natural barriers, giving staff and first responders more time to react. A more strategic parking plan can contain or slow the spread, reducing the risk of multiple RV losses in a single incident.

Practice drills and routine updates to emergency protocols are also recommended to ensure employees know how to notify authorities, use fire extinguishers, and guide others away from danger. This preparation can be critical where multiple vehicles or combustible materials are stored in one location.

In this case, no serious harm was reported, and responders managed to bring the situation under control before it threatened nearby property. The cause of the blaze was traced back to a specific motorhome’s accidental electrical short, illustrating how a targeted inspection program might have averted widespread damage.

Officials finished their inquiry on April 9, identifying the accidental electrical short conclusively and classifying the event as accidental. Many view the outcome as a reminder that thorough electrical maintenance and strategic emergency planning are essential for any RV-focused business.