Fire destroys shop-garage SW of Redmond

A passing driver spotted a fire that tore through a large detached garage-shop southwest of Redmond Friday afternoon, causing an estimated $100,000 in losses, but firefighters kept it from damaging a nearby home, car and travel trailer.

Redmond Fire and Rescue responded to the reported fire just after 1:30 p.m. in the 5500 block of Southwest Harvest Avenue, said Fire Marshal Traci Cooper.

The motorist called Deschutes County 911 and also notified the residents, who were inside the house at the time, Cooper said.

Fire crews arrived to find the shop fully ablaze, but were able to keep the fire from damaging the nearby home and a travel trailer, as well as a car beside the garage that was sprayed with protective foam.

No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was under investigation, but Cooper noted the residents said they had not been doing any recent welding or work on the car in the garage.

Cooper said the $100,000 damage estimate included the vehicle inside, as well as tools and welding equipment.

Mutual-aid help was provided by the Crooked River Ranch and Bend fire departments, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and Central Electric Cooperative.