A La Pine man was found dead after a house fire in La Pine early Saturday. Authorities say the cause of the fire was not criminal in nature. On June 1, 2024, at approximately 12:05 a.m,. Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to assist the La Pine Fire Department with structure fire in the 15000 block of Old Mill Road in La Pine. Initial reports included an entire house engulfed with flames along with hearing explosions. There were also reports of the fire spreading to other nearby structures on the property. Responding deputies evacuated nearby neighbors for precautionary measures.
La Pine Fire Engine 121 was first on scene to deploy exposure protection lines stopping fire spread. A total of 12 fire apparatuses responded to the scene along with 22 firefighters. Mid-State Electric secured utilities, allowing for aggressive fire suppression and providing for a primary search of nearby RVs and motor vehicles. Fire damage was limited to structures on the property with minor damages to neighboring structures and fences.
La Pine Fire remained on scene throughout the night fighting the fire. At approximately 10:00 a.m., David Hill, 67, was found deceased within the residence along with one dog.
Overhaul is ongoing by the La Pine Fire Department while the investigation was conducted by the Oregon State Fire Marshal and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office detectives. Based on evidence located during the investigation, it has been determined the cause of the fire is not criminal in nature.
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and the La Pine Fire Department would like to thank the following departments for their assistance: Sunriver Fire Department, Bend Fire Department, Crescent Fire Department, Alfalfa Fire Department, and Mid-State Electric.