Employee injured, vehicles destroyed in fire at Bend auto wrecking yard

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A vehicle fire broke out at B&R Auto Wrecking on Highway 97 just north of Bend today. The accidental blaze, caused by a spark igniting fuel fumes during vehicle dismantling, resulted in a minor injury to one employee and destroyed two vehicles along with around 50 tires. Firefighters contained the fire within 10 minutes, preventing its spread to more volatile materials.

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to the reported fire at 9:43 a.m. after multiple 911 calls came in about a vehicle on fire at the wrecking yard next to the main building. Employees on scene were able to move two burning cars away from the main structure and the fire spread to a nearby tire pile and into the grass bordering Four Seasons Mobile Home Park. Deschutes County Sheriff's Office deputies and the first arriving firefighters stopped the grass fire from spreading further.

The fire was determined to be accidental, occurring when staff were dismantling a vehicle before crushing it. A spark from an electric tool ignited fuel fumes as a gas tank was being drained for disposal, starting the vehicle and adjacent materials on fire. The blaze then spread to a pile of approximately 50 tires, which caused a large plume of black smoke visible from the north end of Bend.

According to Bend Fire, B&R Auto Wrecking complies with State law for auto wrecking facilities. These regulations limit the storage of materials and goods near dismantling processes and buildings. The rules were implemented following major auto wrecking fires in the Portland area over the past decade, which caused significant fire and environmental damage.

B&R's adherence to these rules and annual inspections with Bend Fire & Rescue were critical in preventing the situation from escalating. The separation measures ensured that tanks of old oil, coolant and gasoline were far enough from the fire to avoid becoming involved in the incident.