Fire destroys Tumalo barn; cause traced to weed-burning with propane torch earlier in the day

(Update: Adding video)

Bend Fire notes regulations require burning be at least 10 feet from other combustibles

TUMALO, Ore. (KTVZ) – A fire that destroyed a barn in Tumalo Saturday evening was caused by the residents burning weeds with a propane torch earlier in the day, authorities said.

Bend firefighters were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. to the reported fire in the 65000 block of 97 ^th Street, Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said.

The homeowner came out of the house to find the detached barn on fire and called Deschutes County 911, Derlacki said.

Crews from Bend, Redmond and Cloverdale responded and were able to quickly stop the blaze, keeping it from spreading to nearby vehicles and buildings.

The barn and its contents are considered a complete loss, estimated at $75,000, Derlacki said. He noted there were no animals in the barn at the time of the blaze.

The occupants had been burning weeds earlier Saturday with a propane torch, up against the barn, Derlacki said.

“The barn did not immediately catch fire, but had smoldered for several hours before being noticed,” he said.

"Bend Fire Department, along with all fire departments in Central Oregon, have burning regulations in place to help prevent these types of fires," Derlacki said in a news release.

"All burning is required to be 10 feet from other combustibles to help prevent just this type of fire," he said. "Even though the barn had metal siding, it is attached to wood framing and planking. The wood was not completely covered by the metal and the torch was able to ignite it.

"Be sure to check with your local fire department for specific burning regulations for your area. You can find Bend Fire Department’s burning regulations and helpful burning tips at www.bendoregon.gov/burninginfo ."

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