Sprinkler system helps limit fire damage at SE Redmond animal-bedding business

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A fire sprinkler system helped limit damage when a fire broke out late Friday night in the conveyor belt area of a southeast Redmond animal-bedding business, an official said.

Around 10:30 p.m., a passer-by reported seeing flames on the exterior of JTS Animal Bedding at 2162 SE First Street, Redmond Fire & Rescue Fire Marshal and Public Information Officer Tom Mooney said Saturday.

Crews arrived to find smoke coming from a building at the rear of the property, Mooney said.

Upon further investigation, firefighters found a blaze burning in an enclosed conveyor belt area and baghouse of the business. Mooney said the building’s fire system had activated and was keeping the fire in check.

 Fire crews worked to contain the fire to that building, preventing it from spreading to the main warehouse, Mooney said. No injuries were reported.

The fire marshal said the cause of the fire was found to be an overheated bearing on a roller in the conveyor belt area. The overheated bearing caused the wood dust to smolder, then ignite and spread flames throughout the conveyor belt and baghouse.