Bend Fire crews responded to a reported structure fire Monday afternoon on the east side of town, on Hope Drive. Upon arrival they found a working structure fire with flames and smoke coming from the back of the house. They were able to contain the fire to the living quarters of the house and kept it out of the garage; however, contents were heavily damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Occupants were alerted to the fire by the smoke alarm and were able to escape the house. They are being assisted by neighbors, with Red Cross advised and dispatched. They had renter’s insurance.
The Bend Fire Department reminds the community that if you rent, your landlord’s liability insurance does NOT extend to your belongings, and renter’s insurance is both inexpensive and can save you countless hours of trouble and a lot of money, in the event of a fire.
Also, this fire grew quickly, so the smoke alarm activation was critical in saving the lives of the occupants.