Bend Fire crews tackle two house fires in 90 minutes; both point to home heating causes for all to be mindful of this season
KTVZ
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Fire & Rescue crews rushed to put out a pair of house fires reported within 90 minutes of each other on Wednesday. An official says both were linked to home heating causes that serve as a timely reminder for others, with winter weather at hand.
Shortly after 11 a.m., firefighters were sent to a home in the 61600 block of Southeast Evie Drive, east of 27th Street and north of Reed Market Road, where residents reported smoke was coming from their fireplace, Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said.
The fire was found to be limited to the gas insert fireplace. Wood had been added to the gas fireplace insert and turned on. The wood ignited and, as the fireplace was not designed for this type of fire, started to smoke inside the house and through exterior vent, Derlacki said.
The fire was extinguished with minimal damage to the house and contents, but Derlacki said the insert will need to be replaced. All three occupants evacuated safely, and damage was limited to the insert, about $2,500.
“This is a good reminder to always use heating appliances as designed,” Derlacki said. “Whether it’s a gas fireplace insert, a space heater, or outdoor propane heater, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on safe operation.”
“A common issue we see this time of year is when outdoor heaters are brought into unventilated spaces such as garages, shops, or enclosed tents, the fire official added. “The outdoor heaters produce a large quantity of carbon monoxide. If the heaters are not ventilated, the CO can build up and create a hazardous atmosphere.”
Derlacki also spoke with KTVZ News on scene: “Those instant fire logs are usually wood shavings that are packed together really tightly, with some natural binder, so it’s not toxic when it burns. They’re great for getting fires started. A lot of people use them in woodstoves, or out camping – but again, they’re not designed to go into gas fireplaces like that.”
The second fire was reported around 12:20 p.m. by the property owner in the 64300 block of Deschutes Market Rod. The owner was on site and had lit a fire in a woodstove inside an unused manufactured home, Derlacki said.
Shortly after the fire started, smoke was seen coming from the roof, and he called 911. Crews arrived quickly and began fighting the fire.
Derlacki said Wednesday’s gusty winds spread the fire in the concealed roof space as crews worked to extinguish it. The fire was eventually stopped, but the 1978 manufactured home is considered a complete loss, at $10,000.
“In this case the woodstove had not been used for many years, and it’s unknown the condition of the flue or attic space before the fire was started,” the fire official said.
“Having your woodstove inspected and cleaned annually by a qualified professional can greatly lessen the chance of these types of fires,” Derlacki said. “They can ensure the flue is still properly connected, that no combustibles have made contact with the flue in the past year, and that the flue is thoroughly cleaned from any creosote buildup.
“Burning clean dry firewood will ensure a good clean fire and reduce the creosote buildup over the winter,” he added.
Bend Fire encourages anyone who has any questions about their fireplace to contact them, a heating and cooling company or your friendly neighborhood chimney sweep.