Smoke alarms help resident escape Bend mobile home fire; two cats killed

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A resident escaped safely after a fire engulfed a mobile home Sunday night at the Rock Arbor Villa Mobile Home Park in northeast Bend. Smoke alarms alerted the sole occupant to the blaze, which killed two cats.

Bend Fire & Rescue crews responded at 8:58 p.m. to the park off Northeast Purcell Boulevard. Firefighters arrived to find the home engulfed in flames extending to the roof, but crews knocked down the fire within minutes and prevented it from spreading to nearby homes.

The fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage to the structure and its contents. The Red Cross was called to assist the resident with housing and emergency resources.

Investigators determined the fire originated behind a wall where a fireplace flue was improperly connected. Heat and flames entered the wall cavity and ignited the structure when a fire was lit in the fireplace.

Bend Fire & Rescue advised residents to test smoke alarms regularly and ensure heating equipment is inspected before seasonal use. Fire officials noted that unserviced stoves and furnaces can allow hot exhaust to enter walls through loose connections, while unused flues can accumulate debris, creosote or ash. Learn more at bendoregon.gov/alarm-info.