Fire destroys 2 NW Bend homes under construction

A propane heater being used to dry Sheetrock sparked a fire early Sunday that extensively damaged two adjacent homes under construction in northwest Bend, causing a total loss valued at $400,000, officials said.

The Bend Fire Department responded around 5:20 a.m. to the reported fire in a vacant home under construction by Hayden Homes on Northwest Brumby Lane, said Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki.

The home was fully involved when the first crews arrived and the fire was spreading to a neighboring home, also under construction, Derlacki said.

Crews were able to stop the fire from spreading, but with the extensive damage, both homes are considered total losses, the fire official said.

An investigation determined the fire was caused by the propane heater that was being used to dry newly installed Sheetrock. But Derlacki told NewsChannel 21, “Due to the extent of damage, we couldn’t determine if it was combustibles too close to the heater or if the heater failed in some fashion.”

Neighbor Melissa Judson, who shared a photo of the burning home with NewsChannel 21, said, “Thank goodness for quick response by neighbors calling the fire department. They got here quickly and the fire didn’t spread to any occupied homes.”

Another neighbor, Meg West, who shared a dramatic photo of the burning homes on KTVZ’s Facebook page, said she called 911 “and watched it all literally go down in flames.” She credited firefighters for getting it out so quickly, and a dispatcher “who was very calm and wonderful the entire time we were on the phone.”

In a news release, Derlacki said the “Bend Fire Department reminds contractors and residents alike to ensure to use fuel fired heaters properly and safely to prevent such fires.

“All manufactures will provide required distances to keep clear around the heaters to prevent accidental fires. But as a general rule, you should keep a minimum of 3 feet clear around all heaters. If the heater is not operating properly, discontinue its use and either repair or replace the unit before using it again.

“More information about temporary heating can be found at: http://bendoregon.gov/index.aspx?page=1012 (PDF available under the HOME HEATING title)