Garage Fire Displaces Family in Bend
BEND, Ore. — A garage fire late Tuesday night displaced a Bend family after flames spread from improperly disposed woodstove ashes, according to Bend Fire & Rescue.
Fire crews were dispatched to the 700 block of SE Douglas, just off Wilson Avenue, at approximately 10:43 p.m. on March 10.
The occupants were alerted to the fire by working smoke alarms and were able to evacuate safely before calling 911 while the fire was still relatively small.
Firefighters responded quickly and were able to contain the blaze mostly to the home’s single-car garage, preventing it from spreading further into the residence.
Investigators determined the fire started after woodstove ashes were placed in the trash inside the garage. The fire spread to other items stored in the garage and had just begun extending into the home before crews extinguished it.
The American Red Cross was called to assist the family, as the home is currently unsafe to occupy. Officials said both the renters and the property owners have insurance to help cover rebuilding costs.
Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at about $50,000.
Fire officials said the incident highlights the importance of properly disposing of ashes from wood-burning appliances. Ashes should be allowed to cool inside the appliance for several days before being placed in a non-combustible metal container with a lid and stored at least 10 feet away from combustible materials until completely cooled.
According to Bend Fire & Rescue, ashes removed from wood-burning appliances can remain hot enough to ignite materials for four to seven days — and sometimes longer — even if they appear cool on the surface.
Officials also noted that working smoke alarms helped ensure the occupants were alerted in time to evacuate safely.
Bend Fire & Rescue had previously assisted the household in late 2025 with checking and confirming the home’s smoke alarms were functioning properly.
Fire officials encourage residents who need assistance checking or installing smoke alarms to contact Bend Fire & Rescue for help.
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