Motor home burns in fierce fire north of Bend

A fierce, fast fire destroyed a motor home near Highway 97 north of Bend Friday morning, sending up thick, black smoke visible over a wide area, but the occupant escaped unharmed.

The fire at the Fun Farm (former Funny Farm) at 64975 Pleasant Ridge Road was reported around 9 a.m., said Bend Fire Inspector Steve Stenkamp.

An occupant of the older, 1980s-vintage motor home discovered the fire and was able to escape uninjured, Stenkamp said.

The RV, with an estimated value of $10,000, was a total loss.

The specific cause of the fire was undetermined, due to the extensive damage, but Stenkamp said it was determined to be accidental.

Several propane cylinders in the motor home had self-ventilated, producing “a fast, hot fire,” Stenkamp said.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies assisted with directing traffic, he said, while Northern Energy Propane helped remove a propane cylinder damaged by the fire.

The Fun Farm and Buffet Flat Costume Shop, formerly the Funny Farm, has a colorful history and been known for years for its eclectic collection of Americana, from a “bowling ball garden:” to a “love pond” with a giant arrow rising above it.