BAKER, Fla., May 17, 2021—A recreational vehicle fire in front of the Baker Block Museum nearly spread to the building here yesterday around 9 p.m.

No one was hurt in the blaze.

Damage to the museum was minimal. The RV was a total loss.

The driver of a 38-foot Tradewinds RV made an emergency stop in front of the Baker Block Museum when the occupants realized the vehicle was on fire.

The RV came to a stop parallel to the museum, about 5 feet from the porch.

Quick response by Baker Fire District, with assistance from Holt Fire District, kept building damages to a minimum by primarily containing the fire to the RV.

Fully engulfed with flames reaching above the museum, heat from the RV fire buckled the paint on the museum’s front door and broke windows on the front of the building, as well as scorched the front facing of the porch roof.

Other than smoke inside the museum and broken window glass, the extent of the damage was confined to the outside of the building.

“We are very grateful for the fast response by the Baker and Holt Fire Departments,” said museum Director Ann Spann. “Their quick actions prevented the fire from spreading into the museum. We also appreciate the support from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department and EMS, who responded as well.”

The fire appeared to have begun in the rear of the motorhome and quickly spread toward the front. The occupants escaped unharmed.

The cause of the fire is unknown.

Gulf Power and Mediacom both responded to assess and repair any utility damages.

Okaloosa County EMS and Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the emergency.

The Baker Block Museum is housed in the second-oldest brick building in Okaloosa County, built in 1907.

The museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.