BEND, OR -- Bend Fire and Rescue says eight people living in a 104-year-old house were lucky to escape unhurt, when a fire consumed the home early Tuesday morning. Multiple people called 911 just before 5:30 a.m., reporting a structure fire just west of the Parkway, and north of the Revere exit. Firefighters arrived on NW Hill Street and found what they described as a "stubborn fire."

The 2,600 square-foot building was built in 1920 and had formerly been used as a care home with multiple bedrooms. Investigators believe the fire began outside, burning up the siding and into the attic, resulting in a blaze that was challenging to extinguish. Crews remained on scene until about 9:30 a.m. and will recheck the building throughout the day.

One tenant reported smelling smoke Monday night around 11:30, but dismissed it as "drift smoke from a wildfire." Authorities say the fire was allowed to smolder for seeral hours undetected, consuming the deck before spreading to the attic. They blame cigarettes discarded into a combustible container on the front deck. 

While the home did have smoke detectors they don't appear to have sounded. The eight tenants were only alerted after one woke up smelling smoke. 

Damages are estimated at around $600,000. The displaced tenants are receiving help from the Red Cross. 

Photo courtesy of Bend Fire & Rescue