A fire blamed on ash from a wood stove destroyed a house on Marks Ridge Drive late Monday afternoon, Oct. 19.
According to Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District, the two residents at the home, at 43251 Marks Ridge, had cleaned the ash from their woodstove and dumped it in the grass as they had done many times before. They left home for approximately 15 minutes and returned to find the home engulfed in flames, with fire in the grass between the ash pile and the structure, and spreading to the nearby vegetation, which includes standing timber.
County records list the property owners as Amos and Maxine Stoltzfus.
Firefighters from Sweet Home Fire responded with two engines, two water tenders, a medic unit, two support vehicles, and three chief officers. The Oregon Department of Forestry also responded with 2 engines to assist with the wildland fire.
The grass and vegetation were extinguished quickly and Consumer Power was then able to ensure that the power was de-energized, removing the hazard from a pole that had also sustained heavy fire damage.
Thirteen firefighters worked to control the structure fire, which had already been largely consumed by the flames. Also lost to the fire was a fifth-wheel camp trailer and a pickup truck that were stored in an attached carport area. No civilian or firefighter casualties were reported. The home and contents are a total loss, SHFAD said.
The homeowners have been put in contact with the Red Cross for assistance.