BEND, OR -- Bend firefighters responded to a senior living community Tuesday morning, after residents were evacuated. Fire crews arrived at Vintage on NE Bellvue just after 9:30 a.m. They found a small fire in a third floor laundry.

Staff used a fire extinguisher to hold it in check and firefighters qucikly put the fire out completely, although there was extensive smoke damage on the third and fourth floors. 

Eight residents may be temporarily relocated until the odor can be professionally mitigated. Losses are estimated at $15,000. 

Investigators say the fire was caused by a significant build up of lint beneath the clothes dryer's lint filter assembly. It caught fire after the dryer had operated continuously for about 45 minutes. Bend Fire offers these dryer safety tips. 

Photo courtesy of Bend Fire & Rescue