Fire destroys two homes in SE Prineville

A fire destroyed two neighboring homes and two outbuildings in southeast Prineville early Monday morning, officials said. There were no injuries, and four pets were rescued from one home.

Crook County Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched around 6:40 a.m. to the fire on Southeast Melrose Drive at the intersection with Combs Flat Road, Battalion Chief-Fire Marshal Russell Deboodt said.

Crews arrived to find the fire burning in an outbuilding, spreading to several other structures, Deboodt said.

A dog and three cats were rescued from one of the homes.

Four engines, two water tenders and two ambulances responded, with a total of 17 firefighters. Crews were on scene for several hours to make sure the fire was fully extinguished.

The cause of the fire could not be determined, Deboodt said. He noted that radiant heat can spread a fire to structures that are in close proximity, even if winds aren’t that strong.

American Red Cross disaster response workers were called in to assist the displaced occupants of the two homes.

Crews were assisted on scene by the Crook County Sheriff’s Office, Prineville Police, Prineville Public Works and ODOT.