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Bend Fire Department responded to an early morning deck fire at 583 NW Greyhawk Ave today. The fire was reported by the home owners. The fire was quickly extinguished and prevented from spreading to the interior of the home. Damages are estimated at $10,000. The owners were able to remain in their home after fire crews cleared.
The fire was caused by embers from a smoker landing in dry bark mulch below the deck. The bark ignited and spread to the wooden deck support and then up the side of the house. Bend Fire Department reminds everyone that keeping bark away from combustible construction can help prevent these types of fires. Bark mulch will always ignite, but if you can keep the bark away from your home you can help prevent your home from catching fire as a result of the bark. Whether it be from BBQ embers, smoking materials or embers from an advancing wildfire; keeping a separation between combustible ground cover (bark) and combustible construction can save your home. Create a break between the bark and your home with decorative rock, pavers/walkways or simply dirt. National standards now call for as much as 5 feet of separation but getting at least some separation is better than none. This way if the bark ignites it has little chance to spread to your home. Bend Fire Department offers FREE home consultations to help identify ways you can help protect your home from the threat of fire, both inside and outside your home. Call 541-322-6386 to schedule a visit.
Photo – the fire started at the base of the column supporting the deck and spread up to the main deck above.