Oily rags spark fire at NE Bend sports performance business; months of work lie ahead

(Update: Adding video, owner comments: details on apparent cause, losses from fire)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oily rags from a staining project sparked a fire Sunday evening that caused about $110,000 in damage and losses to a sports performance business in northeast Bend, fire investigators said Monday. The owner said it'll take at least three months to reopen the business.

Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering said crews were called around 6:30 p.m. to the fire at Bowen Sports Performance in the 200 block of NE Lafayette Avenue, which according to its website offers personal training, coaching, bike fitting, classes and camps.

“The fire did burn through the roof in one area,” Kettering said, and some roof trusses will need replacement, but “the structure is not a total loss.”

Two businesses are located on either side of the one that burned, but Kettering said the concrete masonry construction and high parapet walls above the roofline ensured they were not damaged.

No injuries were reported and no one was at the business, which is closed on Sundays.

Kettering said Monday an investigation determined the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion of oily rags from a staining project that had been placed in a storage mezzanine just below the roof.

Losses were estimated at $50,000 to the structure and $60,000 for the contents.

Owner Bart Bowen told NewsChannel 21 on Monday, "It's been a hard year already when COVID hit, just kind of staying in business. And so I know my trainers and stuff that work with me, we kind of really felt like we were kind of getting back on our feet. So this is definitely a blow, but I guess we'll get through it.

Kettering noted in a news release, "Oil-based paints, stains and varnishes are commonly used for residential & commercial projects, but they can start a fire if not handled and disposed of properly."

"The oils in these products release heat as they dry, and if that heat remains trapped within material in cloths or rags, it can reach ignition temperature," she said. "Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community to always put oil-soaked rags in a metal container, fill it with water, and close the lid. Contact your local garbage and recycling company for information on proper disposal of the containers.  

For more information and safety tips, visit Bend Fire's website at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/safety-tips-emergency-preparedness/year-round-safety-tips.