By Mike Hazlip—
The charred shell of a motorhome destroyed in a Sept. 14 fire remains in a parking lot behind Hobby Lobby, as management struggles to find a company willing to move the vehicle.
The vehicle was a total loss after the fire, and Sunrise MarketPlace Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter said a few tow companies were called to the site, but the motorhome is too badly damaged to move. She is now seeking a salvage company that can remove the wreckage.
“I regret it is taking so long, but we are aware and are working with Hobby Lobby and the property owner to get it removed,” Carpenter said in a statement to The Sentinel Monday. “I’ve been researching and making calls but have a hit a wall.”
A chain link fence was installed around the vehicle to prevent people from entering the motorhome, according to Carpenter. The vehicle is unstable due to the fire damage as well as further vandalism that occurred after the fire, she said.
A representative for Hobby Lobby who spoke with The Sentinel Monday confirmed the vehicle is un-towable, and said he is working with Sunrise Marketplace to find a solution.
The Sentinel previously reported the vehicle’s only occupant was 69-year-old Ron Shank. Shank said he was at a grocery store when the fire broke out and did not know what caused the blaze. Shank said he is retired and was living in the vehicle as he traveled.
The vehicle was parked between two semi trucks in an area behind Hobby Lobby when the fire broke out.
