Hot tub blamed in structure fire

A glow through the bedroom window early Wednesday morning, November 14, alerted an occupant of a vacation rental in Sisters to a hot tub on fire outside the residence. The first fire units to arrive found the hot tub and a corner of the structure on fire and quickly extinguished the blaze.

The occupants, a family of four, evacuated the home when they discovered the fire and attempted to alert the neighboring residents. The fire, approximately seven by 14 feet in area, was confined to the exterior wall and the hot tub. Damage is estimated to be approximately $10,000.

Fire crews removed burnt siding and applied plastic to the damaged area to protect the structure from weather. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but is believed to be a hot tub malfunction.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District responded with five emergency vehicles and eight personnel. An additional unit from Black Butte Ranch Fire District and three additional units from Cloverdale Fire District also responded to the fire with a total of eight additional personnel.

Shift Commander Thornton Brown said, "The occupants did the right thing by quickly evacuating the home, calling 911 and alerting the neighbors."

Fire professionals note that the incident is a good reminder when visiting unfamiliar places (vacation homes, hotels, businesses) to locate at least two exits in the event of an emergency.