Redmond Fire and Rescue responded to fire at a rental home in Eagle Crest on August 17.

A fire caused by a failed bathroom mechanical fan occurred the morning of Aug. 17 at an Eagle Crest rental home.

According to Redmond Fire & Rescue, tenants noticed a strange smell when they returned to their rental at 1405 Harrier Ct. They searched for the origin of the smell and noticed the master bathroom fan was on fire.

Redmond Fire Marshal Tom Mooney said the townhouse was built in 2001 and bathroom exhaust fans should be replaced every 10 years, or if they’re “talking to ya” by making strange noises.

More than 75% of fire incidents were caused by bathroom exhaust fans in a recent study by the United States Consumer Safety Products Commission. Out of 571 fire incidents, 494 were caused by exhaust fans and 318 were caused by bathroom fans specifically.

The fire originated from the attic space above the master bathroom, so the fire crew concentrated on that area first.

Redmond Fire and Rescue used an “aggressive attack,” according to a press release. Mooney said this involved “pulling down ceilings” and sheet rock to reach the fire.

The crew was able to extinguish the fire in 30 minutes, Mooney said.