Fire destroys detached garage off Alfalfa Market Road, but Bend Fire crews’ aggressive attack saves nearby home

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A fire traced to an electrical issue destroyed a detached garage east of Bend Wednesday evening, but Bend Fire & Rescue crews kept it from spreading to a nearby home or other property.

Firefighters responded around 8 p.m. Wednesday to the reported structure fire in the 23000 block of Alfalfa Market Road, Fire Inspector/Investigator Jason Kamperman said.

Crews arrived to find the garage fully involved. All occupants had safely evacuated the home and no injuries were reported, according to Kamperman, who said fire crews’ aggressive attack kept the fire from reaching the home or neighbors' property.

The occupants were alerted to the fire when they went to investigate a partial power outage in the home.

The fire destroyed the garage and two vehicles, causing about $250,000 in losses. The cause was found to be unintentional and electrical in nature, Kamperman said.

"Bend Fire & Rescue would like to remind you of the importance of working smoke alarms, as well as defensible space around your home and structures," Kamperman said in a news release. "More information on defensible space can be accessed at the City of Bend's website, under Fire & Rescue's Wildfire Preparedness link.