Bend Fire & Rescue
Emergency Messages as of 4:36 am, Fri. Mar. 29
No information currently posted.
Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Bend Fire & Rescue .
Primary email address for a new account:

  
And/or follow our FlashAlerts via Twitter

About FlashAlert on Twitter:

FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Bend Fire & Rescue by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.

Click here to add Bend Fire & Rescue to your Twitter account or create one.

@BendFireRescue

Hide this Message


Manage my existing Subscription

News Release
Photo courtesy of Bend Fire & Rescue
Photo courtesy of Bend Fire & Rescue
63455 N Hwy 97 Structure Fire - 01/23/21

At 4/35 am, Bend Fire & Rescue crews were dispatched to Trader Joe's, 63455 N. Hwy 97, on a possible commercial structure fire.  Store employees beginning their work day had entered the store and found light smoke throughout, with a strong odor present. They immediately evacuated the store and called 911.  First arriving fire crews found a haze of smoke in the building with no obvious source.  Upon further investigation, they were able to trace the source back to one of the commercial display freezers.  The fire had self extinguished but there was still a refrigerant leak that was causing hazardous conditions due to the flammability of the refrigerant.  Crews were able to shut all systems down, ventilate the building, and the scene was turned over to Trader Joe's staff and HVAC contractors to initiate repairs and cleanup.  The total loss is estimated at approximately $10,000 due to a large quantity of grocery products that had to be discarded.

Upon investigation, the cause of the fire was electrical wiring that arced against the copper refrigerant tubing, creating a hole and allowing the flammable refrigerant to escape.  Actual fire damage was limited to the display freezer, but smoke and odors were dispersed throughout the building.  Trader Joe's is closed today for cleanup and repairs, but they will reopen on Sunday.

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to commend the staff of Trader Joe's for their quick and correct actions in evacuating the building, moving to a safe area, and calling 911 immediately.  Businesses are encouraged to have an emergency plan, and for all employees to receive training and opportunities to practice that plan.  Good planning ahead of time can result in a much better outcome when seconds count.  Visit www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/safety-tips-emergency-preparedness/emergency-preparedness for more information.  

View more news releases from Bend Fire & Rescue .