Bend couple escapes fire thanks to working smoke alarms

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Two residents escaped a fire in their home Saturday evening after being alerted by smoke alarms. The fire broke out around 9:50 p.m., just one hour after the couple had gone to bed.

Upon hearing the alarms, the couple discovered heavy smoke coming from their wood-burning stove’s flue. They had started a fire earlier in the evening. Fire crews arrived within minutes and quickly contained the fire to the flue, preventing it from spreading further.

The fire appears to have started inside the closed flue, directly above the stove, where radiant heat ignited surrounding insulation.

Thanks to the working smoke alarms, the couple had time to grab their pets and some belongings before safely escaping the home. Bend Fire & Rescue is reminding the public that smoke alarms save lives, as demonstrated by this incident.

With cold temperatures driving increased use of woodstoves and fireplaces, Bend Fire & Rescue urges homeowners to check their smoke alarms and ensure they are functioning properly. For assistance, residents can contact Bend Fire & Rescue at 541-322-6300 or visit the department’s website to submit a request.

Damage is estimated between $10,000 and $15,000.