Four Bend fires in single day tied to cigarettes

Fires that damaged two Bend apartment complexes — first on the Westside, then on the east — were among four blazes in the city Monday traced to improper disposal of cigarettes, an official said, warning of rising danger as warmer days return.

The second fire of the day was reported just after 4 p.m. at the Mountain Glen Townhomes, at the corner of Butler Market and Boyd Acres roads.

“I just saw all the flames coming out of the roof and I saw people running out with their animals in their arms,” said witness Shannon Stubblefield. “It was scary. Really scary. “

What started as a brushfire quickly spread to a tree.

“Within 30 seconds, probably — I mean, it was really fast,” said Courtney Coodey who lives nearby.

Suddenly, the roof of the adjacent two-story building was engulfed in flames.

“There was just a bunch of flames on the roof. They were all coming from the roof,” Stubblefield said.

The resident got out just in time, while neighbors were trying to beat the flames on the exterior of the two-story building.

“We grabbed the hose, and we tried to grab as many buckets as we could, and all the neighbors came out,” Coodey said.

Bend Fire Department crews quickly tackled the blaze, limiting the damage to two units, and no other buildings were affected.

Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said later the fire was traced to a cigarette improperly disposed of in bark mulch.

The fire caused $200,000 damage to the building and $20,000 to the contents. Overhaul of the two affected units kept crews on scene for over three hours, and overall, 10 tenants of four apartment units were displaced, some temporarily.

Derlacki said they have about 40 such fires in a year, causing about $200,000 in damage a year, on average..

The Red Cross said its disaster volunteers assisted one displaced adult, offering lodging, food, clothing, a comfort kit and information about disaster health and mental health services.

A mutual-aid engine was requested from Redmond to help make sure the fire district had adequate staffing.

Earlier in the day, crews rushed to a fire that flared on the side of a northwest Bend apartment complex and was quickly stopped by a resident and passer-by. It, too, was sparked by an improperly disposed of cigarette.

The fire was reported around 9:50 a.m. on the back deck of a center unit in the Officers’ Quarters apartments at Northwest Fifth Street and Portland Avenue, Derlacki said.

Crews who rushed to the scene learned the occupant and a passer-by had been able to use water and a fire extinguisher to slow the progress of the fire, keeping it from entering a large common attic above the building’s four apartments, Derlacki said.

Crews finished extinguishing the blaze, which caused an estimated $5,000 in damage.

Its cause was determined to be a cigarette recently put in a plastic container on the deck that was full of combustibles – other cigarette butts. They ignited, in turn catching the plastic container on fire and sending flames spreading to the building’s siding and decking.

“This is a good reminder that as we enter warmer weather, improperly disposed of smoking materials (cigarettes) are one of the leading causes of fires in Bend and the potential for these fires increases in summer months,” Derlacki said in a news release.

Information about cigarette and smoking safety can be found at www.bendoregon.gov/cigarettesafety

Derlacki said cigarette-related fires are easily prevented by following these simple steps:

– Always discard smoldering and spent cigarettes properly. Select ashtrays that reduce the chances of a burning cigarette falling onto carpeting and upholstery.

– Check wastebaskets and cushions in rooms where people have been smoking. Look for cigarette embers that are still burning.

– Smoking and drinking can be as deadly as drinking and driving. If you host a party and allow smoking, check under chair and sofa cushions before going to bed. Get in the habit of watching out for unattended, but smoldering cigarettes.

– Never smoke in bed or anywhere when drowsy. Cigarettes can smolder longer than most bedding materials and upholstery can resist igniting.

For renters, it’s a reminder that getting renters insurance is highly recommended by the Bend Fire Department. Most home or building owners’ insurance won’t cover the cost of renters’ belongings in the event of a fire or other disaster.

Renters insurance is usually very cost-effective for any budget, Derlacki said. Also, depending on the insurance company, many insurance companies offer discounts for having multiple policies (car and renters) with the company, making the insurance even more affordable.