A manger housing a goat caught fire in La Pine early Christmas eve damaging a home. According to La Pine Fire Chief Mike Supkis, the manger was built from plywood and straw and caught fire from an electrical heater. The fire was first reported 23 minutes after midnight at 56170 Gothard Way in the La Pine Rural Fire Protection District.
Working smoke detectors alerted the four residents to the manger fire, located next to the attached garage. They were able to escape safety and rescue the goat. The closest fire station crew was out on an emergency medical call so first in crews had responded from Sunriver, who provided mutual aid, and the district stations on Huntington and Burgess. Fire crews also had to contend with very icy road conditions.
Eleven firefighters, with two engines, three tenders, and support units responded. Firefighters arrived to find the attached garage fully involved with fire spreading through the attic above the one-story home. Firefighters were able to make a quick knock down and rescue three additional pets from the home. However, one cat and a rabbit are still unaccounted for. No injuries have been reported and the home sustained significant damage as the manger, attached garage and roof was almost completed consumed by fire. Firefighters spent four hours on scene and were also able to salvage a few personal items including Christmas gifts. The American Red Cross will be proving assistance. The property is insured.
