Bend, OR. — Bend Fire & Rescue responded at 11:46 p.m. on November 17 to a structure fire at a single-family manufactured home located behind Three Sisters Adventist Christian School off Tumalo Road.
The resident reported waking to what sounded like a “hail storm.” While no smoke was visible inside the home, she discovered flames outside coming from under the eaves and roof near the woodstove stovepipe. Because smoke had not yet entered the interior, the home’s smoke alarms did not activate.
Thanks to the residents’ quick actions, all five occupants — including three children and multiple pets — safely exited the home.
Investigators determined the fire began when radiant heat from the woodstove pipe ignited the wooden fascia board of the eaves. The stovepipe also melted the vinyl rain gutter, allowing the fire to spread into the attic. Fire crews contained the blaze before it reached the interior, but roof and water damage left the home uninhabitable.
Estimated losses include $65,000 in structural damage and $25,000 in contents.
Bend Fire & Rescue reminds the community of the importance of having a practiced home fire escape plan for all family members and pets. Residents can contact the department for information on creating and implementing a family escape plan.
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