Costly northwest Bend house fire brings pre-winter reminder to local homeowners
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Trouble with a furnace made for big trouble for some northwest Bend homeowners Wednesday evening when a fire broke out that caused $250,000 in damage, Bend Fire and Rescue reported.
Occupants of the home on Imbler Drive noticed smoke in the hallway leading to the garage, so they evacuated and called 911. Bend Fire & Rescue Deputy Fire Marshal Dan Derlacki said Wednesday.
The first fire crews to arrive found smoke coming from under the house and throughout the interior. The fire was found in the hallway where the furnace is located and had spread under the kitchen area, Derlacki said.
The fire was extinguished, but not before there was significant damage to the floor of the home, the fire official said. Damage is estimated at $250,000 to the structure and contents. Three fire engines, one ladder truck, two ambulances, two chief officers and one investigator responded to the fire with a total of 23 personnel.
“The fire appears to have started due to a failure or malfunction of the furnace,” Derlacki said. “The ducting for the furnace travels under the house to the room vents. The fire spread under the house through the floor opening at the base of the furnace.”
The homeowners are working with their insurance company to begin the cleanup and repairs.
“This is a good time of year to get your heat source serviced before we get into winter,” Derlacki advised.
“Whether its brand new or decades old, annual service is recommended on all types of heating appliances. Ensure flues for woodstoves are cleaned professionally at least annually. Having furnaces, pellet stoves, wall heaters, heat pumps, etc serviced annually can ensure their safe use. This also allows for preventative maintenance and cleaning to make them more efficient and last longer.”
Also, Derlacki said, “Ensure proper clearance around all heat sources before using them. 36 inches is recommended space around heat sources clear of combustibles and access by children.
“As always, ensure you smoke alarms are working as we head into winter,” he said. “Carbon monoxide detectors are a great addition to any home using wood or gas to heat to ensure you and your family know if CO is present.