SISTERS, Ore. – A fire sparked by the improper disposal of oily rags completely destroyed a large warehouse and office building off Highway 126 in Dry Canyon, between Redmond and Sisters, late Wednesday night. Despite the scale of the blaze, 20 firefighters from three agencies managed to prevent the flames from reaching a nearby 500-gallon propane tank, which could have turned the situation far more catastrophic.
The Cloverdale Rural Fire District was first dispatched at approximately 9:25 p.m. after reports of an outdoor fire near milepost 101 of the highway, located on the east grade of Dry Canyon. When crews arrived, they were met with a fully engulfed 6,000-square-foot structure, with the fire quickly consuming the building and causing its roof to collapse.
Cloverdale Rural Fire District Chief Thad Olsen reported that, while the fire caused significant damage to the structure, no injuries were reported, and no other buildings in the area were affected by the flames. “Our main priority was to prevent the fire from reaching the propane tank nearby, and I’m relieved to say we were successful in doing so,” said Chief Olsen.
To battle the blaze, three engine crews, along with five water tenders tasked with shuttling water to the scene, were dispatched. In addition to the Cloverdale Rural Fire District, fire departments from Redmond and Sisters-Camp Sherman provided crucial support in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading further.
Authorities have not yet provided an exact cause for the fire, though they believe it to be the result of improper disposal of oily rags, a known fire hazard. The fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safely handling and disposing of materials that can ignite spontaneously.
Fortunately, thanks to the prompt response from multiple agencies, the situation was contained before it could escalate into a more severe disaster. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, and officials are urging local businesses and residents to remain vigilant in fire prevention practices.
