Flames spread to vegetation in Tumalo, crews work to control blaze

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A structure fire destroyed a detached shop building in the Tumalo area Friday afternoon, prompting a multi-agency response as flames spread to nearby vegetation. Bend Fire & Rescue crews arrived at 65425 76th St. around 5:11 p.m. on March 20 to find the building fully engulfed.

While the shop was fully involved, firefighters prevented the blaze from reaching the main residence or other detached structures on the property. The fire was highly visible to motorists traveling along Highway 97 and Tumalo Road.

Bend Fire & Rescue received mutual aid assistance from both the Cloverdale Fire District and Redmond Fire to bring the flames under control quickly. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office also provided support during the emergency response. Crews continued working at the site throughout the evening.

As of 8:00 p.m. on Friday, firefighters were still on the scene performing mop-up duties and monitoring for remaining hot spots. Numerous emergency units remained on the road and authorities asked members of the public to avoid the area while operations continued.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.