Freezer origin of Blaze that destroyed garage, damaged home on Monday in East The Dalles

The Dalles, Ore., Aug. 5, 2025 — A garage fire that broke out Saturday evening at a home in east The Dalles was likely caused by a mechanical failure in an upright freezer, according to Mid-Columbia Fire & Rescue officials.

Fire Marshal Chris Grant said the blaze, which destroyed the garage and carport at 2008 E. 12th St. and spread into the home’s attic, does not appear suspicious and is not under criminal investigation.

“There’s no evidence of anything nefarious,” Grant said. “The area of origin is the garage, and all signs point to the freezer as the source — potentially a failure in the condensing unit or the cooling components.”

The home was occupied by an older woman and her dog, along with her visiting daughter at about 6 p.m. when the fire broke out. All three escaped without injury after a neighbor heard loud popping noises and called 911. Fire crews arrived quickly and began an aggressive attack to contain the blaze.

Firefighters used multiple hoses and cut a hole in the roof with a chainsaw to vent the home as firefighters doused the flames in the attic. The home contained blown-in cellulose insulation, which Grant described as highly combustible and prone to smoldering for hours after initial suppression.

“Cellulose insulation can hold embers and reignite,” Grant said. “You have to pull the ceiling to ensure there are no hidden hot spots.”

Significant damage from heat, smoke and water has left the home uninhabitable. Fire officials said the destroyed freezer and other remains could be sent to a lab for scientific evaluation to confirm the mechanical failure if the insurance company is willing to pay for it.

Grant said the incident serves as a reminder of how easily aging appliances can become fire hazards—especially when kept in garages or utility areas where people store food and beverages.

“Keep the area around your appliances clean, make sure cords aren’t pinched or bent sharply,” he said. “Any damage like that can lead to heat buildup and eventually a failure that could ignite.”

The homeowner has not yet confirmed the age of the freezer involved in the fire.