BEND, OR -- An RV fire east of Bend appears to have killed a dog living inside. Bend Fire responded to the motorhome on Stevens Road, just east of 27th Street, just after 3:30 Wednesday morning. Crews stopped the flames from spreading to nearby power poles and brush, but the RV was a total loss.

The fire department says no one was around at the time of the blaze; it was called in by several passersby on their way to work. During the investigation, crews found "biological remains" inside the motorhome and launched a death investigation with Bend Police. Due to the extent of the damage, location of the body and dark hour, they couldn't determine who or what was inside. 

After the sun came up, the owner returned to the RV and firefighters determined the body was that of the owner's large dog. 

The fire appears to have started from a propane heater left unattended in the camper while the owner was away. It's unclear if the heater malfunctioned or if some sort of combustible ignited on or near the heater.

The motorhome and contents are a complete loss, totaling approximately $4,000. 

photo courtesy Bend Fire