Oily rags spark fire that damages historic Bend home, displaces 2 adults and dogs

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A structure fire on NW Florida Avenue on May 6, 2026, rendered an original mill house uninhabitable, displacing two adults and two dogs. The fire, reported at 12:44 p.m., was determined to be caused by the improper disposal of oily rags.

Bend Fire & Rescue reported the incident, noting the significant damage to the historic residence.

The home, originally built in 1925, is an older mill house. The fire spread to its attic area. Fire crews quickly knocked down the blaze, but extensive overhaul operations were necessary.

The fire originated on the exterior of the house and spread up the wood siding to the eaves and into the attic space. The American Red Cross is providing assistance to the two displaced adults and their two dogs.

The cause of the fire was attributed to oily rags from a recent home improvement project being improperly discarded into household trash.

Oil-based paints, stains and varnishes used in home projects can pose a significant fire risk if rags, cloths and brushes are not handled and disposed of correctly. Rags should never be left in a pile or bucket. Instead, they should be laid flat outdoors in an area away from structures and other combustible materials.

Once the rags are completely dry, they can be placed in a metal can containing a water and detergent solution, with the lid sealed tightly. These materials can then be disposed of at the Hazardous Waste Disposal area at Knott Landfill, which is open every Friday and Saturday.