BEND, OR -- Bend Fire says smoke detectors likely saved the lives of a northwest Bend family, early Sunday morning. They woke up to alarms sounding, just after midnight, and found smoke filling their home on Northwest Nordeen Way. 

Firefighters discovered the blaze in the fireplace chase behind the wood burning fireplace, which was equipped with a natural gas burner. Officials say it was properly installed and permitted at the time of construction, and was recently cleaned by a certified chimney sweep. They aren’t sure why it malfunctioned. 

The fire caused about $80,0000 in damage, but the family safely evacuated and there were no injuries.