Propane cook stove ignites, man seriously injured N. of Bend

A 34-year-old man was seriously injured Monday night when a propane cooking stove ignited and caught a tent and nearby trees and brush on fire at a small campsite north of Bend, Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies said.

Shortly before 10 p.m., a deputy encountered a man walking in the middle of Highway 97 near milepost 130, Sgt. Kevin Dizney said. He later was identified as Christopher Bonjorni.

The deputy stopped and determined Bonjorni was having a medical emergency relating to a fire that occurred at his camp, about a quarter-mile ast of the highway.

Bend Fire Department medics responded and took Bonjorni to St. Charles Bend with potentially life-threatening injuries, Dizney said.

Deputies and firefighters were able to locate the camp, which Dizney said was a total loss.

An initial investigation determined the cook stove had ignited, catching a tent and surrounding materials on fire.

Dizney said no one was was present or affiliated with the campsite, and the investigation is continuing.