Candle ignites NE Bend apartment fire
An unattended candle ignited drapes in a northeast Bend apartment Thursday afternoon, but the resident and a friend used a blanket to put it out before fire crews arrived, officials said.
Bend Fire units responded shortly before 1 p.m. to the reported fire in a unit at the Fox Hollow Apartments at 2600 Northeast Forum Drive, Battalion Chief Dave Howe said.
They arrived to find light smoke coming from a second-floor apartment and a small fire in a bedroom that had been extinguished, Howe said.
A friend of the resident found the fire, and she and the resident put it out with a blanket, around the time the smoke alarm sounded.
Damage was estimated at $500 to the building and $500 worth of contents.
Howe said the Bend Fire Department wants to remind residents to never leave a candle or other open flame unattended, even for a moment.
They also recommend flameless candles, rather than wax-type candles. They are available for rent for “a nominal charge” from the fire department. Call 51-322-6300 for more information.
