A fire in La Pine destroyed all but the garage and one bedroom of a home and left a family of four homeless on Christmas Eve, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
La Pine firefighters arrived around 2:55 p.m. at 15781 Lava Drive to find heavy smoke billowing from the home; within minutes fire broke through the roof, said sheriff’s Sgt. Roy Gotchy.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“They’re not entirely sure at this point,” Gotchy said. “From what I understand, the fire guys are leaning toward the Christmas tree.”
The one-story ranch-style house was property of Deane Cavaness. Gotchy said the home measured about 1,600 square feet.
Gotchy said the family, including Cavaness and two boys ages 17 and 12, were away sledding when the fire started.
Everything inside, short of whatever was inside the garage and bedroom, was lost, including Christmas gifts, Gotchy said.
The American Red Cross found room for the family at a local hotel, according to sheriff’s Lt. Tim Leak.
The Sheriff’s Office dipped into its Shop with a Cop funds and provided the family with clothing and toys, as well as vouchers for a local grocery store.
Gotchy said the family would have a Christmas dinner, at least.
