La Pine garage-shop fire spreads to home; dog rescued

(Update: More information from fire district)

A fierce fire destroyed a La Pine detached garage and shop and spread to a home and nearby brush and grass Friday afternoon, but crews got it out after a Deschutes County sheriff’s deputy rescued a dog inside the house as it filled with smoke.

La Pine Rural Fire Protection Distrct crews were dispatched around 2:40 p.m. to the reported fully involved detached garage fire in the 5200 block of Lucky Lane, Capt. Fred Franklin said.

The first units arrived to find a 1,400-square-foot wood-frame shop with a compositve roof fully ablaze, with flames spreading slowly through about a quarter-acre of grass and brush, as well as extending to the eaves and wallsof a 1,200-square-foot wood-frame home with a metal roof, the fire official said.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived before fire crews and reported both buildings were clear of occupants and that explosions were occurring from the shop.

“Arriving deputies quickly learned the homeowners dog was still inside the residence,” the sheriff’s office said in a Facebook posting.

“They entered into main living area and rescued Brody as the house began filling with smoke,” deputies said. “Brody was safely handed off to a neighbor while the deputies then moved the homeowners truck out of the driveway. Great job deputies!”

Firefighters began working to put out the fire in both structures, while an Oregon Department of Forestry engine and water tender tackled the wildfire element and helped supply water, Franklin said. The Sunriver Fire Department also provided assistance, he added.

Crews also noted a downed, energized power line on the property and road. Midstate Electric Cooperative crews were called in to shut off power to the property.

Sheriff’s deputies said firefighters had the fire contained by about 3:15 p.m.

The American Red Cross was called to help the two displaced adults and their dog. The two residents were not home at the time of the fire but arrived later and declined Red Cross assistance.

One of the residents said he had fueled his boat, which was in the shop, on Thursday with 40 gallons of non-ethanol premium fuel and placed two ne blue-top gel batteries on an old 10-amp charger, in preparation of a fishing trip on Saturday, Franklin said. He also identified other items that were plugged in but not in operation.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.