If you ever heard Aesop’s famous fable, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” you’ll remember it didn’t turn out so great in the end for the boy. Many people learn as small children the importance of always being honest and telling the truth. However, some adults grow up to tell great big lies that can cost them dearly.
Denis Vladimirovich Molla is facing charges for what authorities say was a lie he planned and orchestrated in September 2020.
Flames ripped through Molla’s RV and garage, but it appears that his pants were also on fire. Let’s look at what might lies Molla has told that could result in him not booking any campsites in his RV anytime soon.
Why Is Denis Vladmirovic Molla Facing Charges?
Molla called the authorities one morning at 3:00 a.m. to report he woke up to discover that his RV and garage had been set on fire. Molla would later tell a local news crew, “I heard just a big, loud boom, or a bang,” as his camper erupted in flames.
The fire would quickly spread through the camper and engulf the nearby garage containing multiple vehicles. Responders were able to avoid the fire causing any significant damage to the house and were also able to rescue three dogs and four puppies at risk from the blaze.
Molla claimed those involved set the blaze due to his “Trump 2020” flag hanging from the garage. There was spray paint on a portion of the garage with “Biden 2020,” “BLM,” and symbols for Antifa and anarchy. Many around the country heard his story, and he collected more than $61,000 in insurance claims and $17,000 from donors from two GoFundMe accounts. However, authorities believe Molla, like the boy who cried wolf, possibly wasn’t telling the truth.
As of July 2022, Molla faces two federal charges for wire fraud – very serious charges. The maximum sentence for a single indictment of wire fraud carries a 20-year prison sentence. If Molla gets convicted on both charges, he’ll have plenty of time to read as many of Aesop’s fables while he sits behind bars.
When and Where Did the Fire Occur?
The fire occurred in the early morning of September 23, 2020, in Brooklyn Center, Minn. The city of Brooklyn Center is approximately 30,000 people and sits right off Interstate 94, approximately 15 minutes northwest of Minneapolis.
What Charges is Molla Facing?
As mentioned before, Molla is facing two federal counts of wire fraud. The indictment could force Molla to forfeit all properties purchased with funds from the alleged crimes if he’s convicted. Despite the charges, Molla was released on a promise to appear in court later.
Are RV Fires Common?
RV fires aren’t uncommon but are more common than they should be. The National Fire Protection Association data shows approximately 2,000 fires occur each year, resulting in 24 deaths. However, most RV fire deaths are in campers without a working smoke detector.
How Long Does It Take an RV to Burn?
Most of the materials used in the construction of an RV are highly flammable. Those materials and the clothing, blankets, and other items you add to your RV fuel the fire. A typical RV will burn completely to the ground in less than 15 minutes. However, flames can consume a rig and make it unsafe for firefighters to enter in minutes.
YouTube channel RVLove experimented in a controlled environment with an old RV. The couple wanted to share with the RV community the dangers of an RV fire. Within five to 10 minutes, the entire RV went up in flames. They found some items inside the rig that didn’t get destroyed, but the fire destroyed much of the entire rig.
RV Fire Safety Tips
You can do several things to minimize the risks of an RV fire. If you want to stay safe, always handle fire responsibly and follow these tips. Let’s take a look!
Avoid Using Too Much Power
Using too much power can be very easy, especially if you’re RVing during the colder months. Electric space heaters may produce a generous amount of heat but also require a ton of power. These units can put your electrical wiring to the test and expose any faults in your system. You should always keep an eye on power-hungry devices when using them.
You can only access so much power when plugged into shore power in your RV. There’s a high probability that you’ll need to manage your power usage. Items like coffee makers, microwaves, air conditioners, and pressure cookers require a lot of power. Running multiple of these appliances simultaneously can create issues for your electrical system.
Open Flames Inside Are a Bad Idea
While a candle may make your RV smell fresh, it’s a good idea to invest in a candle warmer instead of a flame. The minimal amount of space inside your RV means there’s a chance that something or someone could accidentally come in contact with the flame and cause a fire. If a fire does erupt inside your RV, you have a minute or two before it’s too late.
Be Careful When Cooking
Many RVs have gas burners for cooking in the kitchen. Cooking in an RV can be challenging as there’s minimal space to move around in the kitchen, and counter space is often lacking. Be mindful of towels and anything flammable when it comes to your open flames while cooking. Take advantage of the opportunity to cook outside of your RV whenever possible.
A Strange Story
If what authorities claim is true, Molla will have a lot of time to learn his lesson. Lighting your RV on fire and then fabricating a story to collect money from insurance and GoFundMe accounts serious accusations.
Molla pleaded not guilty to the charges and is awaiting the opportunity to defend himself in court. However, it appears as if prosecutors have a case against him. We’ll see how this plays out for Molla.
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: