Bend, Ore. – A fire on Bend’s Awbrey Butte Saturday afternoon destroyed a three-story home.
Luckily, firefighters and neighbors were able to stop the blaze with garden hoses before it threatened to spread, according to officials.
Battalion Chief Dave Howe said the structure fire occurred at 1928 Northwest Trenton Avenue. Crews quickly discovered as they arrived on scene that the flames were spreading into the brush uphill.
Police closed off adjoining streets as Deschutes County dispatchers urged motorists to avoid the area.
The home’s owner including a renter were out of town when the fire broke out.
Officials estimated losses at $415,000 to the building and $50,000 worth of contents.
Battalion Chief Howe added, “The Bend Fire Department reminds the community that since the brush and grass is exceptionally dry and receptive to fire, please be extra careful with any potential sources of ignition.”
“It is vitally important, especially under these extreme fire danger conditions, that you maintain an adequate defensible space around your house, in order to keep your house and those of your neighbors, safe from brush fires,” he added.
