Chimney fire spreads to roof of home NE of Sisters; residents evacuate before crews stop its spread

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – A chimney fire spread to the roof of a home northeast of Sisters Sunday morning, causing more than $20,000 damage, but the residents evacuated safely before firefighters arrived and stopped its spread.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District crews responded shortly before 11 a.m. to the reported house fire in the 69000 block of Deer Ridge Road, Fire Chief Roger Johnson said.

Crews arrived to find smoke and flames coming from the home’s roof, near the metal chimney pipe, Johnson said. The fire had extended to the roof and was burning in a void space between the ceiling and roof.

The engine crews from Sisters, supported by an engine from the Coverdale Fire District and a ladder truck from the Black Butte Ranch Fire District, were able to suppress the fire and stop its spread, the fire chief said.

"Our firefighters were able to arrive quickly and control the fire before it caused additional damage," the fire chief said. "A big thank you to our neighboring districts for supporting this operation."

Property damage is estimated at $20,000 to $30,000.

The total response included three fire engines, a ladder truck, four water tenders and two chief officers.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but Johnson said, "It is recommended that all fireplaces, wood stoves, chimneys and flues be cleaned and inspected annually to ensure safe operation. Additionally, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested every six months."