Fire investigators said they are unable to determine the cause of the blaze that destroyed a Ridgefield house Monday night.
The fire originated in a sunroom addition that was being used as a bedroom, Clark County Deputy Fire Marshal Susan Anderson said.
The fire was reported at 9:40 p.m. at 22319 N.W. 11th Ave., a nearly century-old farmhouse that was home to an extended family of nine people.
Five adults and three children were home at the time of the fire, Anderson said. Everyone inside was able to escape.
One dog and one cat were found, but another three cats and a tortoise were not located, Anderson said.
Most of the family is staying nearby, at an adult daughter’s house.
“We’re doing fine. Everybody’s fine, everybody’s safe,” if a little cramped, said the daughter, Kandis McEllrath. McEllrath has a family of five herself.
“Everybody else is over here with air mattresses. My living room is filling up with generous donations of clothing and hygiene care stuff for the baby,” she said. “We’re very grateful for all the help.”
Her uncle will be staying at a hotel, she said, and her parents plan to start looking for a place to rent while they wait to rebuild.
The baby is fine, and her 7-year-old niece and 8-year-old nephew have some experience moving around, she said, so they’re doing fairly well, considering.
“They’re tough kids, that’s for sure,” she said.
The fire caused an estimated $211,646 damage to the structure and $158,735 to the family’s belongings.
McEllrath said the home was insured, but insurance likely won’t cover all the losses. She has launched a donation page for her family, which includes details about sizes for clothing needed. Those interested in donating can do so at www.gofundme.com/harrington-housefire.
