Fierce fire destroys Metolius-area home, shop
A fierce fire destroyed an unoccupied home and shop along Highway 97 east of Metolius late Mnday night, officials said.
Jefferson County Fire District No. 1 crews were called around 10:45 p.m. to the 4300 block of Southwest Highway 97, near Bear Drive south of Madras, Captain Kasey Skaar said.
They arrived to find the house and shop on fire. Skaar said they moved quickly to put out the blaze, but it already had spread throughout the home and shop, destroying the buildings and contents.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Along with 16 responding firefighter personnel, including three engines and a water tender, assistance was provided by the sheriff’s office, Jefferson County EMS and Pacific Power.
Skaar said an initial loss figure had not been compiled, but the home and shop were a total loss. The residents were not home at the time.
The American Red Cross said its disaster responders were called in about 5:45 a.m. to help the two adults and one child affected by the fire. They helped address the immediate basic needs of those affected, offering temporary housing, food, clothing and comfort kits as needed, as well as information about recovery and health services.
