BEND, OR — Firefighters said a NE Bend garage was destroyed when a fire broke out early Friday morning. Crews were called to NE Purcell Blvd. near Butler Market Rd. shortly after 2 a.m., where flames were pouring out of a garage. Firefighters knocked down the flames quickly, but remained on scene for several hours ensuring hotspots were out.
The Red Cross is helping the three adults and four children impacted by Friday’s fire.
Investigators said a failed extension cord powering a freezer in the garage most likely sparked the Friday fire. Bend Fire said it’s important that large appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers and plugged directly into outlets. These draw large amounts of power to cool the food stored inside. Using extension cords allows for more chances for electrical failures in the cords and can cause fires. If an extension cord must be used, ensure you use a cord of proper gauge and use a surge protector to protect from a short of failure.
In addition, Bend Fire stressed working smoke alarms save lives. In this case it was seven lives. The smoke alarms in the home alerted the sleeping occupants to the fire and allowed them and their pets to escape safely. Be sure to check your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are working. Batteries may need to be replaced if they are not long life lithium types. Old smoke alarms lose their sensitivity over time. Most manufactures suggest you replace smoke alarms after 10 years of use.
If you see local news happen, call the Horizon Broadcasting Group News Tip Hotline at 541-323-NEWS, or email us.
