BEND, OR -- A northeast Bend family is out of their home after a fire, overnight. Firefighters responded to a reported explosion and fire on Larkview Road, just after 12:30 a.m., Tuesday. When they arrived, they found flames coming from the attached garage, spreading to the house. They knocked down the fire, limiting the damage to the garage.
Losses are estimated at about $150,000. The Red Cross is helping the one adult and one child affected and the cause of the blaze is under investigation.
UPDATE: According to investigators, the explosion and fire was caused by a gas leak. They say the vehicle in the garage was parked too close to the gas line supplying both the furnace and water heater. The bumper bent the gas line, causing it to crack. Natural gas then filled the garage until it ignited, likely from a pilot light in either the furnace or water heater. The subsequent explosion damaged the garage and destroyed the vehicle. Updated estimates put total damages at about $185,000.
