Fast fire destroys home in SW Bend’s Tetherow neighborhood; losses at $1.2 million

(Update: More information from fire official)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A fast-moving fire destroyed a $1 million home in southwest Bend’s Tetherow subdivision Wednesday morning, but the lone occupant was able to escape safely, authorities on scene said.

The fire was reported shortly before 9:30 a.m. in a two-story home in the 61500 block of Meeks Trail, with several callers to 911 dispatchers reporting it was fully engulfed. The smoke plume was visible across a wide area of Bend.

Bend Fire crews took up a defensive strategy upon arrival, after the partial collapse of the roof and second floor. after the home was searched to ensure no one was inside. The one resident was out before crews arrived, Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said at the scene.

Roads in the immediate area were closed. Derlacki said Redmond Fire personnel also were on scene, assisting with a ladder truck "to get into those hot spots and make sure it's completely out," the fire official said.

Derlacki later said the cause of the fire was under investigation, as the homeowners’ insurance company worked to secure the structure. The Red Cross was called in to assist with a temporary place to stay until the homeowner’s insurer can find more permanent housing.

The 3,000-square-foot house was built in 2012, and the structure is valued at $1.25 million, with losses to the building and contents close to that amount.