UPDATE: Gas leak, backfire sparked destructive Tumalo shop fire

UPDATE: TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) -- An accidental fire caused by a vehicle backfire destroyed a 1,600-square-foot shop and several vehicles in Tumalo Friday evening, resulting in $220,000 in estimated damages. The blaze occurred at 65425 76th Street and was sparked by a fuel leak.

Investigators determined the fire was accidental in nature, originating from a vehicle parked inside the structure. While the flames began to spread toward nearby homes, fire crews were able to contain the blaze quickly.

The total financial impact of the fire is estimated at $220,000. This figure includes $100,000 for the loss of the 1,600-square-foot shop structure and $120,000 for the contents and a heavily damaged travel trailer located nearby. The contents of the shop were considered a total loss.

Among the destroyed property were two classic vehicles and a motorized scooter. Fire officials noted that trees and other vegetation located close to the shop allowed the flames to spread toward other homes in the area. Fire crews were able to stop the fire's progress before it reached neighboring residences.

In response to the incident, officials are reminding property owners to maintain defensible space around all structures. Recommended safety measures include removing bark mulch and vegetation within five feet of a foundation to reduce the risk of fire spread.

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.