Fire destroys exterior of NE 3rd Street business in Bend; investigators say it’s second apparent arson in the area in days

Bend, Oregon. (KTVZ) — Bend investigators said it was determined Saturday morning that intentional arson burned the exterior of a store on Northeast Third Street, the second apparent arson in the area in recent days. Police have no immediate information on any connection between the fires.

Bend Fire and Rescue crews were dispatched to the reported structural fire near Third Street and Greenwood Avenue shortly before 2:30 a.m. Saturday, Deputy Fire Marshal Cindy Kettering said.

She said the first units to arrive found a fire at Spiked Wireless at 1036 Third Street, NE. It burned on the outside of the building and was quickly toppled.

Crews checked the interior and attic space for any extension but found that the fire had not entered the interior. It charred a window frame, but there was no smoke or water damage inside, Kettering said.

Fire damaged gas meters and electrical wiring in buildings protected by Cascade Natural Gas and Pacific Power,

Damage to structure and contents is estimated at $25,000.

Caitlin said investigators determined the fire was intentional. Bend Police and Bend Fire are continuing their investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact Bend Police at 541-693-6911.

Less than a mile away, a fire on Tuesday morning badly damaged a home in the 500 block of Northeast Olney Avenue that was listed for sale, and the blaze was also determined to be intentional. Officials said no one was home when the fire broke out and asked the public for any information that could help investigators.

While there are no tentative signs of a link between the fires, Kettering said in a Saturday release: “Owners, now is a good time to look at your property and take steps to improve safety. Increase lighting and ensure that Litter and recycling bins, and removing dry and dead vegetation around properties are all important steps to help improve home and business safety. Find more information on a variety of safety-related topics at https:/ /www.bendoregon.gov/government /departments/fire-rescue/education-safety-tips.”

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