Fire starts in bark mulch pile

This is a press release courtesy of Eugene Fire & EMS

Eugene Fire & EMS crews responded Monday afternoon to a Coburg Road apartment fire that apparently originated with a bark mulch pile heaped next to the structure.  Now that warmer weather has arrived, fire officials are urging all residents to create and maintain a “defensible space” around structures, and to store flammable materials away from buildings.

Monday’s fire occurred at an apartment complex at 1555 Coburg Road shortly after 4 p.m.  The occupants of the affected apartment were able to evacuate safely.  Fire officials said the fire crept from the bark mulch into a chase surrounding a built-in fireplace, and firefighters were required to breach the exterior wall to check for extensions.  The fire was declared under control a few minutes after fire crews arrived.

There were no injuries, and damage was estimated at $5,000.  The source of ignition remained under investigation late Monday.