$500,000 fire destroys barn on Old Bend-Redmond Hwy.

(Update: Fire cause undetermined, but possible electrical problem in fifth-wheel)

A costly fire destroyed a barn along the Old Bend-Redmond Highway north of Bend Thursday afternoon, putting up black smoke and drawing fire crews to the scene. There were no injuries and crews stopped the fire from spreading, but it cause an estimated $500,000 in losses, including a Model A, other vehicles, tools and heirlooms stored inside the barn.

The smoke column was visible across much of northern Bend after the fire was reported at a 30-by-70-foot barn in the 64000 block of the highway around 4:30 p.m.

Initial reports indicated there were no animals in the barn and that crews were engaged in a defensive attack after flames made it through the barn’s roof. They were unable to save the barn, as only the frame was visible as the smoke cleared.

Bend Fire Battalion Chief Dave Howe said a U.S. Forest Service spotter plane was called in to patrol for spot fires and an Oregon Department of Forestry engine also assisted.

Howe said Friday that while it’s possible there was an electrical issue with a fifth-wheel trailer stored in the barn, the cause of the fire is undetermined.

No injuries were reported.

Losses were estimated at $100,000 to the barn and $400,000 to contents, including an RV and a Ford Model A automobile, as well as other vehicles, tools, heirlooms and equipment.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said the Old Bend-Redmond Highway was closed for firefighting efforts between Highway 20 to the south and Tumalo Road to the north. It reopened Thursday evening.