Camas blaze destroys under-construction home

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A fire in the early hours of Sunday destroyed a large home under construction in Camas and threatened nearby homes created by the burning vegetation as embers spread downwind.

The fire at 30317 NE Livingston Mountain Circle was first reported around 4:35 a.m., the East County Fire and Rescue said in a release.

When the first wave of a heavy fire response arrived, the fire had already enveloped the two-story, 12,000-square foot single-family home. Firefighters also noted spot fires from this blaze about 1,500 feet downwind.

More firefighters were called to the scene, as was the Washington Department of Natural Resources, officials said.

Complicating the firefight was the fact the nearest fire hydrant was more than 6 miles away. With four water tenders shuttling water from the hydrant to the scene, commanders had the fire under control within 30 minutes.

The nearby houses were saved and no evacuation was necessary, authorities said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.