Redmond Fire & Rescue responded to a structure fire late Friday night in northeast Redmond. According to a news release: At approximately 11:45pm, Deschutes County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at 3498 NE 33rd and were able to determine that all occupants had safely evacuated the home and there was visible fire coming from a bedroom window.
Fire crews quickly deployed handlines and made an aggressive interior fire attack and were able to get the fire under control within a few minutes of arriving on scene. During the fire crews search of the residence two dogs were located and removed from the structure. Fire crews quickly deployed the pet oxygen masks carried on all Redmond Fire & Rescue engines and life saving measure were taken, both dogs responded well to the treatment and are doing well.
Fire investigators were on scene conducting interviews and analyzing the fire debris and fire patterns to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Fire investigators were able to determine that a small handheld butane lighter that was used to light a cigarette was placed on a nearby bed and the hot metal on the lighter quickly ignited the bedding and mattress.
Fire investigators also determined that the residents did not have working smoke alarms inside the home. This is a good reminder to install working smoke alarms within your home and to test them on a regular basis.
Fire damage to the residence was significant and the residents have been displaced due to the fire. The Red Cross is providing assistance to the occupants.
Redmond Fire & Rescue was assisted by Crooked River Fire & Rescue and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.