SE Redmond house fire traced to smokers’ carelessnesss

A fire that caused $65,000 damage to a southeast Redmond home Sunday night, displacing three residents who escaped unharmed, was caused by improperly discarded cigarette butts, investigators said Monday.

A woman living at 336 S.E. Franklin Street called Deschutes County 911 dispatchers around 9:10 p.m. to report awakening to a “boom” and finding the bedroom on fire, according to initial dispatch reports. Fire Marshal Traci Cooper said the three residents were home at the time and reported popping noises.

Firefighters were able to quickly put out the fire, containing it to the back portion of the home, Cooper said.

Redmond Fire and Rescue and Oregon State Police completed the fire investigation Monday, finding it had originated on the home’s back porch and burned its way through a window.

Losses were estimated at $50,000 to the structure and $15,000 to the contents.

Another house behind the burning home also was evacuated as a precaution

Cooper said the damage was significant enough to displace the three residents, and American Red Cross assistance was requested.

The Bend Fire Department provided mutual aid assistance for incoming calls. Redmond police and Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies also assisted at the scene.

Deschutes County property tax records indicate the 900-square-foot home was built in 1965.