BEND, OR -- A southwest Bend home was damaged by fire Friday afternoon. The homeowners returned to the house on East Campbell Road and heard crackling noises, just before 4 p.m. They discovered the fire on the outside of the building and used a garden hose while calling 911.

Firefighters put it out but the interior suffered extensive smoke damage. The cause was later determined to be oily rags used for staining put too close to combustibles. The fire quickly spread to a tree, the fence and house. Damage is estimated at $200,000.

Every year fire departments across the country respond to similar fires that are caused by spontaneous combustion which occurs through an oxidation process.  Oily rags used for staining should be disposed of properly which includes hanging them outside to dry and once dry they can be disposed of in an approved metal container. Never pile oily rags together which can create heat from oxidation and can ignite the oils in the rags and spread to other combustibles nearby.

Photo courtesy: Bend Fire & Rescue