A fast-moving house fire in the Tumalo area on Sunday afternoon caused an estimated $575,000 in damage and displaced residents, according to Bend Fire & Rescue.
Shortly after 2:30 p.m. on May 24, multiple 911 callers reported a residence fire on 76th Street in the Tumalo area. First arriving crews from Bend Fire & Rescue encountered a heavily involved split-level home with flames spreading into nearby brush and trees.
Neighbors on both sides of the property used garden hoses to help keep surrounding vegetation from igniting and prevent the fire from spreading further.
Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the flames, but complete extinguishment took longer because of the extensive fire damage and the lack of fire hydrants in the rural area.
Officials said no one was home at the time of the fire. The American Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.
Damage is estimated at $500,000 to the structure and an additional $75,000 to the home’s contents.
Mutual aid was provided by Cloverdale Fire District, Redmond Fire & Rescue, and the Oregon Department of Forestry.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire officials also reminded residents to prepare for wildfire emergencies as fire season approaches. Recommendations include assembling emergency supplies, safeguarding important documents and medications, creating a family communication plan, and evacuating promptly when instructed.
More wildfire preparedness information is available through Bend Fire & Rescue’s Own Your Zone program.
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