Bend Fire Department responds to a fire and gas leak

By Mindy Gould on Wednesday, August 31st, 2022 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News Eastern/Southeast Oregon Top Stories

Bend, Or-Bend Fire Department had a busy day of incidents on Monday 8/29/22. With a total of 51 calls including a structure fire and six calls for natural gas leaks, crews were working tirelessly throughout the day and night.

19803 Mahogany St structure fire – Bend Fire was called out at 6:46 pm 8/29/22 for a reported house fire. A neighbor noticed smoke coming from the home and no one was home. Crews arrived to find the house completely filled with smoke and a fire in the kitchen. The investigation found that a burner on the stove was accidentally turned on and that a box that was left on the stove ignited and started the kitchen on fire. Bend Fire reminds everyone to ensure combustibles are not near cooking surfaces. Boxes, paper products, towels and clothing can catch on fire easily if they come into contact with cooking surfaces. In this case on one was home and the fire spread to the rest of the house. Damages are estimated at $40,000 for both the house and contents. American Red Cross helped the family of 3 find a place to stay after the fire.

The gas leak calls came about by many different causes. Everything from a lack of maintenance to a burner left on to excavation caused these leaks. CNG and Bend Fire urge everyone to call before they dig. Call 811 at least 2 days before you dig in order to get a location of all the utilities below the surface. This is true for home owners and contractors a like. Once the locates are made, ensure they are still visible when you go do to dig to eliminate any guesswork as to where gas, power, water, communications, sewer and more are located. Damage to these without following the locate rules can result in fines or damage recovery. Go to call811.com to find out more and submit your request online.