La Pine Rural Fire Protection District firefighters responded Thursday (August 31st) afternoon at 3:42 pm to 16521 White Buck Avenue to find a fully involved single story structure fully involved in fire and spreading to a detached garage and .25 acre of wildland. An engine, three water tenders, and four command and support units responded with 15 firefighters and support personnel. Also responding was an engine from Sunriver, and engines from Oregon Department of Forestry, and US Forest Service with a total of 10 additional firefighters. Firefighters were able to quickly contain the fire to the structure of origin and were on scene 3.5 hours. The home was occupied by Leah Lucio-Whatson and her husband Christopher (who was not home at the time). The residence is owned by Sonny and Linda Stephenson of La Pine. Lucio-Whatson was able to escape unharmed. Fire investigators were able to trace the cause to a blown out circuit breaker on the outside electrical panel that ignited dry grass and then quickly spread to the home and surrounding area. There were no injuries. American Red Cross responded and is proving assistance to the occupants. Both the property owner and renters were insured. Home is considered a total loss. Forestry units kept the wildland fire spread contained to .25 acre.
La Pine Fire Burns Down House
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