Fire traced to burned yard debris heavily damages SW Bend detached garage; crews protect home
Tyson Beauchemin
(Update: More info, photos from Bend Fire official)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A fire traced to improper disposal of burned yard debris tore through a detached garage and threatened a home near the Deschutes River in southwest Bend late Friday morning, but firefighters protected the home and stopped its spread.
The fire was reported around 11:35 a.m. in the 60700 block of River Bend Drive, near Deschutes River Woods.
Bend Fire & Rescue crews arrived to find flames on the back side of the garage that were extending toward the house, located about 10 feet away, Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering said.
The home’s occupant already had evacuated, along with her dog, and was a safe distance from the structures, Kettering said.
Crews were able to quickly knock down the blaze, limiting the home’s damage to some charring on an exterior porch railing.
Kettering said the garage had moderate fire damage, with radiant heat and smoke damage to its contents. A lean-to structure attached to the back of the garage was a total loss, Kettering added.
The cause of the fire was traced to improper disposal of burned yard debris. Kettering said it had been smoldering for over a day before catching the shed on fire.
An investigation determined that ashes and char from a previous debris burn had been placed in a plastic bag and set at the edge of the lean-to structure, which was used to store firewood.
Kettering said it’s important to remember that ashes can remain hot for several days, especially if there are larger pieces within the ash.
Bend Fire & Rescue recommends that ash, whether from a debris burn, the fireplace or the woodstove, be placed into a metal container with a lid – never in a paper or plastic bag – and put outdoors onto a non-combustible surface such as concrete, metal or bare dirt. Fill the bucket with water, and wait at least 24-48 hours before disposing of the material.
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