Family escapes burning Powell Butte home

A Powell Butte couple smelled smoke, awakened their two children and fled their burning home late Saturday night as an attic fire caused extensive damage, officials said Sunday.

Crook County Fire & Rescue responded shortly after 11 p.m. to the reported residential fire on Southwest Bent Loop, said Deputy Chief Casey Kump. Sheriff’s deputies and Redmond Fire & Rescue also responded to the two-story home, arriving to find flames coming from the attic and the family outside.

Firefighters worked to douse the blaze, which was fully involved throughout the attic, Kump said. The fire area included a chimney chase that extended up the side of the home.

The family told firefighters they smelled smoke before any smoke alarms sounded.

Kump said it’s not determined if the house is a complete loss, and a damage estimate was not yet available. The cause of the fire is under investigation, he added.

The family declined any assistance from the American Red Cross and is staying with relatives in the area, Kump said.