Improper disposal of smoking materials on a deck caused the July 30 West Linn house fire that killed Bobby Yang, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue has determined, closing a two-week investigation into a blaze that also drew Lake Oswego firefighters.

Yang, a resident of the 3300 block of Quail Ridge Road, had safely evacuated the burning home but re-entered to try to save the family dog. Yang died, and the dog is presumed dead.

The finding, reported by West Linn Tidings reporter Corey Buchanan on Thursday, Aug. 13, means the fire started unintentionally on the home's deck. TVF&R concluded the investigation without identifying any criminal cause.

How the fire unfolded

On the evening of July 30, TVF&R said in its news release that first-arriving crews found heavy fire at the rear of the large residence, dense smoke pushing from the roof and flames extending into the attic. The agency immediately called a second alarm because of the home's size and reports that an occupant was missing inside.

Firefighters launched an aggressive interior attack while searching for Yang, but as the structure became increasingly unstable, they suspended the search due to the risk of collapse. Crews shifted to a defensive exterior strategy and worked nearly three hours to bring the fire under control, as we reported July 31.

Yang's body was recovered the next morning, Friday, July 31, after firefighters resumed search operations. A TVF&R chaplain notified next of kin.

Lake Oswego Fire Department, Clackamas Fire District, West Linn Police Department and AMR all assisted at the scene.

What residents should know

TVF&R's determination that discarded smoking materials started the fire carries a practical warning for homeowners across the Lake Oswego and West Linn area. The agency's fire prevention guidance recommends dousing butts in water or sand before disposal and keeping ashtrays away from combustible materials.

TVF&R also has a burn ban in effect across its service area as of Aug. 13.