Cigarette likely cause of apartment fire
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WINCHESTER, Ore. -- Residents were at the Saddle Butte apartment complex Tuesday, trying to salvage what they could from Monday's 3-alarm fire.
Six of the units were completely destroyed, while others just suffered smoke and water damage.
Fire investigators were on scene to sift through the rubble and find the cause of the blaze. They know for sure it started on the second story balcony, and after interviewing the person who lives there, they know the likely cause.
"She did mention to us that she smokes outside on that patio deck, and that she was using a pot for plants, which is more of a bowl and not a deep container," said Jo Pedrola, Douglas County Fire District 2 Fire Marshal. "What concerns us is the material, because she stated that the container was made out of plastic."
Fire officials said the resident didn't have any barbecues or candles, but they are still investigating to make sure.
Residents spent the afternoon moving their belongings and figuring out what could be saved.
The Red Cross made sure everyone had a place to stay, and ended up giving shelter to four families. "We provide motels and services for people for three days, and during that three days we work with them to develop a personal plan for their recovery from their situation," said Red Cross Disaster Coordinator, George Roth.
The landlord helped six other residents move into vacant apartments on site and around the area.
Officials say most of the people living there did not have renter's insurance, and the total damage to the building is estimated to be more than $750,000.
