Firefighters quell flue fire

Black Butte Ranch's new Fire Chief Dan Tucker saw his department put to the test Monday - his first day on the job in his new position. A flue fire broke out in a rental home just before 6 p.m., rapidly spreading through the attic of Golf Home 107 at 71114 Fiddleneck.

Arriving fire crews from the Ranch, assisted by a very prompt response by an engine and crew from the Sisters-Camp Sherman fire district, performed a quick and concerted two-pronged attack, knocking the fire down in time to save the residence from serious structural damage.

David, Carolyn and Scott Spillman, on their second day of vacation from Atlanta, Georgia, were just warming up the wood stove after a brisk day of Central Oregon recreation when a smoke alarm started sounding over their head.

After first assuming it was malfunctioning and wishing they could disable it, Scott noticed what looked like a glow of fire in the eaves and they then dialed 911.

"It was just no time at all and they were here," said Carolyn, very impressed with the professionalism of the Black Butte Ranch Fire Department. "They were very good."

Crews attacked the attic fire from below while a team above cut ventilation holes in the slippery metal roof, directing smoke and flame out an already damaged area and stopping the spread to other areas. Most fire damage was limited to the attic and roof area where it had spread from the fireplace flue while the living room suffered additional smoke and water damage. Most of the Spillman's personal effects survived the fire.

The Spillmans remained fairly upbeat.

"This has just been such an ideal spot for our vacation. We were really enjoying it here," Carolyn said.

Even though the home had not been rented through Black Butte Ranch's regular home rental pool, Chief Tucker was busy working with Ranch staff trying to find the Spillman's alternative accommodations on the Ranch to finish out their vacation as well as trying to contact the absentee owner about the fire.

Chief Tucker noted that "This should be a wake-up call to all the folks that will soon be cranking up their stoves and fireplaces for the first time this season. Don't put off your routine maintenance and inspections until after the cold weather arrives. Do it before you use them."

He also tipped his hat to the Sisters crews for their fine work on the scene. After sleeping well this evening knowing how his crews handled this call, maybe tomorrow he'll get a chance to get his desk organized.