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Broken Top House Fire Caused By Gas Fireplace Vent

BEND, OR -- A home on Fall Creek Loop was heavily damaged in a Thursday evening fire. Crews arrived to find smoke coming from the roof. They quickly put out the fire, but remained on scene about two hours.

Damages are estimated at $230,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation. 

 

UPDATE: Bend Fire investigators determined the cause of the fire to be vent pipe for the gas fireplace installed too close to structural framing. The wood was exposed to high heat over a period of years, drying and degrading the wood and leading to a process called pyrolysis. As the wood degrades, the temperature required  to ignite the wood decreases, until it reaches the point of ignition.  In this case, the fire was mostly contained within the wall and attic space of the home.

Bend Fire & Rescue reminds everyone that anything producing heat needs space around it. Maintain clearance between combustible materials and appliances such as fireplaces and woodstoves. Have fireplaces and woodstoves inspected and cleaned annually, and don't leave a fire burning unattended.

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