Stacked Newspapers Near Wood Stove Caused Winery Fire

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An old wood stove ignited a large stack of newspapers and magazines in a wicker basket and caused fire at a winery in Sherwood on January 13, 2012. A Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue investigator made the determination this afternoon after examining the scene of the fire on Ladd Hill Road and interviewing people involved with the business. The investigator estimates the damage at $225,000. No one was injured, but unfortunately two cats perished in the fire.

Firefighters were called to the business at 27015 SW Ladd Hill Road near Sherwood at 1:20 a.m. Friday and encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from a large metal building. The building was separated into three sections and one of those sections, containing a wine tasting room, was fully engulfed. Despite a lack of fire hydrants in the area, firefighters were able to aggressively attack the flames and keep the fire from spreading to the rest of the structure.

After a thorough investigation of the scene and extensive interviews, a TVF&R investigator has determined that the fire started because combustibles were stacked too close to a wood stove. A wicker basket had been packed full of newspapers and magazines and was placed next to the stove. 

"It is so important that people remember to keep anything that can burn three feet away from any stove, heater, baseboard heater, fireplace or anything else you might use to stay warm," says TVF&R Public Information Officer Brian Barker, "this is a good reminder to check your home or business. Look for any furniture, paper, wood or other combustibles that may be close to whatever you use to heat your home."

TVF&R offers the following tips on the safe use of heating sources:

• If using a fireplace or woodstove, check to ensure the flue is unobstructed and the damper is open. Always use a tight-fitting fireplace screen or glass doors to contain burning embers.
• Keep a close eye on your fire and keep it manageable. A fire that grows too large and hot can result in a chimney fire. Also, ensure your fire is extinguished before going to bed or leaving your home.
• Never use gasoline or lighter fluid to start a fire.
• Keep combustible materials (Christmas tree, furniture, paper, etc.) at least three feet away from fireplaces, woodstoves, and all heating devices.
• Ashes can rekindle and start a fire. Wait several days before cleaning out your fireplace or woodstove or dispose of ashes in a metal container with a lid, placed outside your home.
• Candles are a fire hazard – use only flashlights, battery-operated lanterns, and light sticks as emergency lighting in your home.
• Never use outdoor equipment including propane or kerosene heaters or charcoal barbecues inside a home due to the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. CO is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that claims hundreds of lives every year.
• Gas-fueled generators must be used outside in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully before using a generator.
• Check your smoke alarms to ensure they are working and install a carbon monoxide detector as a precaution.

Republished with permission of Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue. View original article here.

Author:Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue