BEND, OR -- Bend fire says a carelessly discarded cigarette led to a fire at the Riverhouse on the Deschutes that caused about $20,000 in damage, Wednesday. Maintenance staff called 911 at about 6:45 p.m. They started evacuating the area and attacking the blaze with fire extinguishers.

When fire crews arrived, they found flames burning up an exterior wall. The hotel was at 100% occupancy, but firefighters were able to put out the flames before they spread inside, and guests were able to return to their rooms. 

Investigators say smoking material tossed from a second-floor walkway ignited dryer lint that had accumulated on the ground outside the main laundry.

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