Shortly after noon Friday, Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatched to a reported structure fire near the intersection of NW Florida Avenue and NW Bond Street. At the time of the call, crews were just clearing an earlier structure fire on the east side of Bend that damaged a two-story, single family dwelling on NE Shirley Court. That fire, which was primarily confined to a single room and contents with some smoke and water damage to the rest of the structure, was caused by a lighter in use that came into contact with curtains in a bedroom. That fire caused an estimated $30,000 in damage.
As crews were clearing, the structure fire call downtown was received, with a dark column of smoke visible from across town. First arriving crews found two homes on fire, as well as two trees, fences, and an adjacent RV. The fire was quickly knocked down using master streams which apply a large volume of water from a safe distance. This was necessary due to burning trees and overhead utility lines in the area. Once the main body of fire was knocked down and the utilities secured, crews were able to safely enter the area and complete extinguishment of the fire. In total, two homes were severely damaged, with minor damage to a third home and an older recreational vehicle parked on Florida Ave. Total dollar loss is estimated at $900,000.
Upon investigation, it was determined that the fire originated on the outside deck at 699 NW Florida, spreading to the siding and into the attic space of the home, as well as the exterior siding and attic of the adjacent home at 238 NW Bond St. Minor damage from radiant heat damaged a third home at 224 NW Bond Street. An exact cause could not be determined for the fire, but it was found to be accidental in nature.
Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community to please yield right of way to emergency vehicles whenever they approach from any direction using lights and/or siren. Move as close to the right hand side of the road as you safely can, and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Also, remember that in case of a fire or other emergency, seconds count. Please keep access to an emergency scene clear for responders so that we can get there quickly and safely to help. Stopping to look or take photographs or video can create congestion which delays our response and may even lead to secondary incidents, such as traffic crashes. Your actions when an emergency happens are important, please help us keep our community safer for all.
