Improperly discarded ashes from a wood stove started a fire to residence in northeast Bend Thursday. Around 2:45pm, a man reported to 911 seeing smoke and flame coming from a home that he was house sitting. The residents were on vacation. Crews arrived on scene at 2973 NE Rock Chuck Dr and found a two story residence engulfed with flame and smoke coming from the living room and second story window.
After quick extinguishment, a search was done and found no occupants inside. A cat and dog were found in good health and taken to a safe area. Unfortunately, one dog perished in the fire. The blaze took about 20 minutes to extinguish. Upon investigation, it appeared the fire was accidental and started from improperly discarded ashes from the wood burning stove, that were placed in a plastic bucket and left inside the home, near the wood stove. There was extreme fire and smoke damage to the entire interior of the house.
Bend Fire & Rescue would like to share a reminder that Hot or cold ashes from a wood stove should always be placed in a metal container with a lid and moved to the outside of the home, away from any combustible material.
