Fund set up to help fire-stricken SE Bend homeowner

A fire sparked by improper disposal of cigarettes extensively damaged a mobile home in southeast Bend on Monday, but firefighters rescued and administered oxygen to a cat they found in the smoky home.

The male cat, named Kick, “is expected to do fine,” said Bend Fire Battalion Chief Dave Howe.

Firefighters were called shortly before noon to a reported garage fire at the double-wide mobile home at Suntree Mobile Home Park at 1001 SE 15 th Street, Howe said.

Crews found the resident outside of the home and smoke billowing from the garage. While firefighters were able to confine the fire to the garage, the home was extensively damaged by smoke and the need to ventilate the roof, Howe said.

An investigation found the owner had placed used cigarette butts in a can, Howe said, and they accumulated to the point where the last butt put in the can ignited the others.

Losses were estimated at $40,000 to the building and $5,000 to the contents. Nearly 20 personnel were involved in the effort.

The American Red Cross was called in to assist the displaced homeowners.

Red Cross officials said the blaze affected two adults and several pets. The agency provided food, clothing, shoes, comfort kits, health services and recovery information.

The sister of homeowner Steve Meister said it was not insured and that she has set up a fund to help him rebuild at https://www.gofundme.com/y24qwrm8.

She said her brother “has fixed many a plumbing problem for free” when he worked with their dad in his plumbing business.

Howe said the blaze serves as a reminder that improper disposal of smoking materials remains a leading cause of house fires, in Oregon and around the country.

“Treat cigarette butts as though they ‘want’ to set your house on fire,” the fire official added.