Blaze destroys home near North Powder

Firefighters from Baker and Union counties were called to a Friday fire that destroyed the home of Jay “Billy” and Peggy Browne near North Powder.

 The fire, which started in a living room wall, is thought to have been caused by an electrical short, said Colby Thompson, North Powder Rural Fire District assistant chief. No one was injured.

Firefighters were able to protect a nearby outbuilding and save some of the family’s belongings, Thompson said. Crews were dispatched to the Brownes’ house, at 50809 Ellis Road, at 1:36 p.m. Friday.

The fire was reported by the couple’s son, Cade, who was at home with a friend, Thompson said. Peggy Browne and the couple’s other son, Heath, were not at the house. Billy Browne was out of town.

Firefighters from North Powder, Island City, La Grande, Union, Cove, Haines, Baker Rural and Baker County Emergency Management responded, Thompson said. They worked at the scene for about 12 hours, he said. Strong winds and temperatures that dipped into the teens added to the challenge of stopping the blaze.

The Red Cross responded to provide food, clothing and lodging for the family. Thompson said he had no estimate on the loss, which was insured.

The original part of the two-story house, which is about six miles west of North Powder, was built in 1880, according to Union County Assessor’s Office records. It had been remodeled several times over the years, Thompson said.