La Pine Rural Fire Protection District firefighters responded early Monday at 3:42 am, to 153513 Derri Court (Klamath County) for a reported structure fire. Owner and family awoke to heavy smoke with fire under the 1600 square foot manufactured home. There was no report of a working smoke detector.
The family of five were able to evacuate with two dogs. One suffering minor smoke inhalation after an attempt to make reentry. Eight La Pine firefighters arrived on a QRU, an engine and two tenders. Access was difficult because of snowy roads and a lengthy unplowed driveway to the home on top of a hill. La Pine Firefighters received help from Crescent Rural Fire Protection District who assisted by sending a medic unit checking out the injured civilian and the Sunriver Fire District handled two other medical calls during the 4.5 hours firefighters worked on this incident and applying over 15,000 gallons of water.
Firefighters were also challenged by the high winds and ongoing winter storm but were able to limit the fire spread protecting nearby vehicles, sheds, and RVs but the home and all the family’s belongings were a total loss.
The residents and pets were transported to the DOOR warming shelter in La Pine and a referral made to the American Red Cross for further assistance.
The cause of the fire is believed to have been propane space heater placed under the home to keep pipes from freezing. No estimate of cost of Property damage has been made. Property was reportedly uninsured.
