Homemade Sauna Ignites Late Night Fire in Medford Backyard as Firefighters Rush to Contain Flames
MEDFORD, Ore. — Fire crews from Medford Firefighters Local 824 doused a fire caused by a homemade, wood-burning enclosed sauna in the early hours of yesterday morning. Still, the fire had caused extensive damage to the sauna and deck.
Responding to a reported structure fire in the area of West 13th Street at approximately 12:17 a.m., the Medford Fire Department’s Engine 12 arrived to find fire in a backyard area involving a homemade, wood-burning enclosed sauna attached to a small deck and hot tub area.
The resident and neighbors were actively using garden hoses to control the fire.
- Dec 14 2025 12:17 a.m. : Structure fire reported on West 13th Street.
- Engine 12 arrives : Backyard sauna and deck area burning.
- Residents and neighbors : Using garden hoses to slow spread.
- Firefighters : Offensive attack contains fire to origin area.
- Outcome : Sauna and deck damaged / no injuries reported.
Firefighters quickly contained the fire to the area of origin after an initial offensive fire attack. The fire did not extend to the primary residence or nearby structures, but the homemade sauna and deck sustained significant damage. No injuries were reported.
The Medford Fire Department reminded the public to :
- Use only approved saunas that certified professionals properly install.
- Always ensure fires are fully extinguished, and equipment is completely shut off after use when using wood-burning or other heat-producing equipment.