Fierce shop fire threatens neighborhood NE of Bend

A well-known Bend doll-maker’s business was dealt a serious blow Monday when his backyard shop went up in flames — but firefighters prevented a larger tragedy by keeping the blaze, already spreading through brush, from reaching nearby homes.

Crews were called out shortly after 10 a.m. to the shop fire at 64100 Pioneer Loop northeast of Bend. When they arrived, the shed was fully engulfed and the flames were spreading south and east, to the trees and brush.

“I heard a loud noise, saw the fire trucks and I saw a huge plume of smoke,” one neighbor said.

The 864-square-foot shop was destroyed. Homeowners Floyd and Joyce Vickerman used the shop for their world-renowned doll-making business. There were molds and other supplies inside — afterward, only the poles remained.

The Bend Fire Department had to use a defensive approach, only able to fight the fire from the outside to keep it from spreading.

Crews from the Oregon Department of Forestry jointed the fight, as well as from the Deschutes National Forest.

Their efforts were able to stop the spread of the wildfire at 2/10 of an acre — a crucial attack, as the area is densely populated.

“Well, there’s probably at least a dozen houses that could’ve gone up pretty quick,” the neighbor said.

Fire officials say it was a challenge getting water to the site. The family says their main source of water caught fire and melted as well.

Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering said an investigation found that the homeowners were disposing of paper, cardboard and other household trash by burning them in the woodstove inside the shop.

But Kettering said there were other combustible items within a foot of the stove, and radiant heat ignited them, sparking the fire.

Losses were estimated at $10,000 to the structure and $30,000 worth of contents. The structure was insured, officials said.

Kettering said the fire serves as a reminder that there should be at least three feet of clear space around any heat-producing item, from the kitchen range to a barbecue or a space heater.