Fire sprinklers contain blaze at Bend apartment complex

Bend Fire & Rescue responded to a fire in a third-floor apartment at the Stonebriar Apartment Complex in Bend before 1 p.m. The building's fire sprinkler system activated, containing the blaze which was caused by an unattended candle and affecting three of the 14 apartments with an estimated $40,000 in damages.

The fire sprinkler system played a crucial role in preventing the fire from growing and spreading throughout the building. This action limited the impact, with only three apartments affected by fire and water damage. Without the sprinklers, it is likely all 14 apartments in the building would have been impacted by the fire.

First-arriving crews found the fire sprinkler system had already activated in the apartment when they arrived on scene. Apartment management was evacuating the building as firefighters worked to ensure the fire was out and turned off the sprinklers. After the water was off, crews began removing water from the third-floor apartment where the fire originated and the two apartments directly below it.

The Red Cross is assisting the displaced occupants. The tenants of the affected apartments are expected to be out of their homes for days or weeks, rather than months to years, due to the limited damage. All tenants are required to have renters' insurance by the management company. The fire was caused by an unattended candle that ignited nearby combustibles on a shelf. Bend Fire & Rescue reminds the public to never leave candles unattended and to ensure they are placed well away from combustible materials when lit.

The displaced tenants will likely return to their apartments within a few days or weeks.