BEND, OR -- A garage fire led to three families being displaced in southeast Bend, Tuesday. Fire crews responded to SE Woodland near SE Centennial just after 11:30 a.m. and found a detached garage fully involved. Flames were seen 50-75 feet in the air and the dark column of smoke could be seen from several blocks away. Witnesses reported hearing explosions from propane tanks, ammunition, motorcycle tires and paint stored in the garage.

Firefighters stopped the blaze, but not before the wind spread flames to nearby homes. BNSF stopped rail traffic in the area for about an hour to prevent damage to trains. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours to extinguish spot fires.

Investigators say the fire was an accident caused by fuel leaking form a motorcycle in the garage. Gas vapor came in contact with a propane heater in the garage and ignited. 

Losses are estimated at $350,000 between two structures. A total of nine people are displaced from three homes. The Red Cross is helping with emergency lodging.

photo courtesy Bend Fire