Investigators unable to find cause of fire that heavily damaged NE Bend home, destroyed shed, RV and deck

(Update: Adding video, new info from Bend Fire official)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Investigators were unable to determine Monday what caused a fire that heavily damaged a home and destroyed a shed, RV and deck on three neighboring properties in northeast Bend Sunday evening, as it also moved up a tall Ponderosa pine tree.

Bend Fire & Rescue was dispatched shortly after 7 p.m. to the reported structure fire on NE Quimby Avenue, between Seventh and Eighth streets, Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering said. She noted that Engine 326 from the newly staffed station at Pilot Butte was the first crew on scene, within four minutes.

Kettering said the fire substantially damaged a home on Quimby Avenue, destroyed a shed and RV at another address on Quimby and a deck on Seventh Street.

Losses were estimated at more than $160,000 to the structures, vehicles and contents across the three properties.

An investigation could not determine the fire’s cause, but Kettering said it originated outside in an area between the three homes, adjacent to the destroyed shed.

The flames traveled up an 80- to 100-foot Ponderosa pine tree and burned into the home, Battalion Chief Andy Hood said Sunday night.

The fire threatened three nearby homes, “but we were able to stop it before it did any damage to the additional houses,” Hood said.

With the flames climbing the a tall tree, there was a high potential for it to “do a lot of damage,” the battalion chief said.

“We were pretty fortunate we were able to stop it when we did,” Hood said.

No injuries were reported.

Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind the community to be prepared for the risk of fire in these hot and dry conditions, Kettering said. 

Keep vegetation trimmed back, especially within 30 feet of the home, clear roofs and gutters of pine needles, use caution this holiday when barbecuing or enjoying other recreational activities, and remember that ALL fireworks are banned by city ordinance within the city limits of Bend.  

Please have a happy and safe 4th of July, she said, and for more safety tips, visit their website at https://www.bendoregon.gov/government/departments/fire-rescue/education-safety-tips