Discarded smoking materials spark fire that destroys Bend mobile home, triggers explosions

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Saturday evening fire in a Bend mobile home park destroyed one home and damaged another, after improperly discarded smoking materials ignited a blaze that spread and triggered explosions.

Bend Fire & Rescue responded just before 6 p.m. to reports of a structure fire in the Suntree Village Mobile Home Park. Multiple 911 callers reported seeing flames and hearing explosions.

The first crews arrived at 6:04 p.m. and found the fire had already spread from one home to a neighboring residence. Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the flames, containing both fires within about 35 minutes. Crews cleared the scene at 7:42 p.m.

Officials say one home is a total loss, while the second sustained minor damage. The homeowner declined assistance from the American Red Cross.

An investigation determined the fire started on the front porch of the destroyed home. Authorities say smoking materials were improperly discarded into a plastic trash can containing other waste, which then ignited. The fire spread to nearby propane tanks connected to a grill, causing the explosions reported by callers.

According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, an average of 11 people in Oregon die each year in fires caused by smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco.

Bend Fire & Rescue is reminding residents to properly dispose of smoking materials in non-combustible containers and keep them away from anything that can burn. Officials note that even when smoking outdoors, discarding materials in trash cans, vegetation or mulch can quickly lead to a fire.

More fire safety information is available on the City of Bend website.