Fire traced to portable AC heavily damages NE Bend home

A fire that caused $100,000 damage to a northeast Bend home Friday night was traced to a failed portable air conditioner, officials said.

Bend Fire Department crews were dispatched around 8:20 p.m. to a house fire in the 800 block of Northeast Norton Avenue, reported by neighbors, as no one was home at the time, said Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki.

Police wielding fire extinguishers helped fire crews stop the fire quickly and keep it from spreading, Derlacki said. The fire was confined to the home’s interior, and no structural damage was found after it was put out. Nevertheless, damage estimates were $50,000 to the structure and $50,000 to its contents.

After turning the portable AC unit on, the owners had left for the evening, returning home after fire crews had arrived, Derlacki said. They reported no previous issues with the unit, which they had purchased many years ago. But when it failed, the plastic housing was ignited, spreading to nearby furnishings, the fire official said.

Derlacki said the unit was of the type that is on wheels and has a vent hose that goes to a window.

He said the fire and smoke did extensive damage to the home, meaning most of the sheet rock, fixtures and all furniture will have to be replaced. The owners had insurance, he added.

Derlacki said the Bend Fire Department reminds everyone to be safe with all types of electronics, including AC units. According to the US Fire Administration, there are nearly 2,300 AC unit fires annually in the country. Most happen between 2-8 .pm. during the heat of summer, when the peak demand is on them. This high demand can cause them to fail and overheat, leading to malfunctions and possible fires.

Here are a few safety tips Derlacki offerd to prevent such fires in your home:

* Make sure the circuit breaker conforms with the amperage of the unit so the breaker will work if a malfunction occurs.

* Do not use extension cords or a power strip, instead plug them directly into a wall outlet. Most manufactures require this.

* Most newer portable AC units have GFI breakers built into their cords, ensure those are working properly before any use.

* Keep the unit’s air filter clean.

* Service them as the manufactures suggestions, replace/repair if any problems occur.

* And as always, make sure your smoke alarms are working properly.