NE Bend Christmas tree fire caught fast

A Christmas tree burst into flames at a northeast Bend home Wednesday morning, prompting a 12-year-old girl to flee and a neighbor hit the fire with an extinguisher until firefighters arrived, officials said.

Crews were dispatched shortly before 11 a.m. to the reported fire in a home at 63205 Town Court, said firefighter James Adams.

The homeowner’s 12-year-old daughter was home alone at the time and saw the fire shortly after it ignited at the base of the tree, Adams said. Although the tree was green and well-watered, the flames began to spread fast and the child evacuated.

A neighbor was able to discharge an extinguisher through the front door and control the blaze until firefighters arrived, Adams said.

Thanks to the neighbor’s quick actions and fast fire units response, the fire was confined to the area of origin and damage was kept to a minimum, Adams said. Losses were estimated at $2,000 in contents, but none to the building.

The cause of the fire was under investigation. But the Bend Fire Department reminded residents to keep your Christmas tree well-hydrated and to examine Christmas lights for any problems before hanging them.

For more holiday safety tips from Bend Fire, visit http://bend.or.us/index.aspx?page=50