Update: Deck oil cause of fire that destroyed Tumalo home

Bend fire investigators said Monday that spontaneous combustion of deck oil and its applicator sparked a fire Saturday evening that destroyed a Tumalo home and claimed the lives of two dogs.

Firefighters responded around 6:30 p.m. Saturday to several callers reporting a structure fire at 20299 Swalley Road, said Battalion Chief Andy Hood. Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies arriving on scene reported the structure was fully involved.

The first firefighters on scene also said the two-story home was completely ablaze, and winds were affecting the fire’s spread. Despite the windy conditions, Hood said nearly two-dozen firefighters were able to protect nearby structures on the property.

On Monday, Battalion Chief Dave Howe said the fire’s cause was found to be spontaneous combustion of deck oil and a brush or other oil applicator. The fire began on the deck, which was under construction, he said.

The Bend Fire Department was assisted by a brush engine from the U.S. Forest Service, as well as water tenders from the Cloverdale and Redmond fire departments. Central Electric Cooperative was also called to the scene due to threats to a power line.

Swalley Road was closed for more than two hours to facilitate transportation for water supply operations, the battalion chief said.

The homeowners, Patrick and Kelly Ares, were not home when the fire broke out but were notified and arrived soon after.

Two dogs perished in the fire, Hood said, adding that the home had working smoke alarms

The fire was knocked down within an hour of the initial call.

Howe said the Bend Fire Department wants to remind people that rags and brushes used to apply deck and fence oil can spontaneously ignite due to a chemical reaction, and that process happens more quickly in warmer temperatures. It’s a frequent cause of fires in the area.

“Please dispose of the (oily) rags by placing them in a covered metal can filled with water, away from combustible materials,” he added.

Contact Deschutes County Solid Waste (541-317-3163) for more disposal information.