Redmond-area RV park resident jailed on arson charge, accused of setting her home ablaze; two others also destroyed

(Update: Arson suspect accused of setting her RV on fire, spread to 2 others)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A woman living at the Green Acres RV Park south of Redmond was arrested Thursday on arson and other charges by Deschutes County sheriff's deputies, accused of setting her home ablaze and sparking a fire that spread to and destroyed or heavily damaged two others before crews could stop its spread.

The fire was reported around 11:35 a.m. at the Green Acres RV Park in the 7000 block of South Highway 97. While Redmond Fire & Rescue crews were responding to the scene, several people called 911 to report the large column of black smoke coming from the location, Fire Marshal Tom Mooney said.

Deschutes County sheriff's deputies were first on the scene and said one RV was engulfed, with the fire spreading to other trailers and flames threatening nearby propane tanks. That prompted a call-out of more fire crews.

Firefighters arrived to find two RVs ablaze and the fire moving toward a 120-gallon propane tank. Crews worked quickly to knock down the fire and keep it from spreading to other nearby trailers, surrounding vegetation and the propane tank.

Mooney also said the area is not protected with fire hydrants, so two water tenders brought 6,000 gallons of water to the scene to assist in firefighting efforts.

A joint investigation was conducted between the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Redmond Fire & Rescue to determine the origin and cause of the fire. After conducting witness interviews and evaluating material evidence on the scene, they determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Sheriff's deputies arrested Green Acres resident Jodie Wakeman, 46, who Mooney confirmed is accused of setting her RV ablaze. Hers was one of the two RV destroyed by the fire, the official said, while a third was severely damaged.

Deschutes County Jail records showed Wakeman, 46, was being held without bail late Thursday pending arraignment on initial charges of first-degree arson, second-degree criminal mischief, second-degree disorderly conduct, first-degree animal abuse and recklessly endangering.

Kim Paris lived in a trailer that was burned to the studs. She told KTVZ News she lost her 3-year-old Chihuahua, an emotional support animal.

Paris said she was working at her job at Bi-Mart when her daughter told her the devastating news. She says she’ll have to "couch surf" with friends and family until she can find a new place to live 

Mooney added, "Redmond Fire & Rescue would like to thank Bend Fire & Rescue, Cloverdale RFPD, and the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office for their assistance." 

Highway 97 remained open during firefighting efforts, but ODOT's TripCheck advised drivers to exercise caution.