Dog Perishes in Leaburg Structure Fire

LEABURG: A Sunday evening fire destroyed a mobile home in Leaburg and claimed the life of one dog, while two cats remained missing as of press time.

Around 6 p.m. on May 17, crews from McKenzie Fire & Rescue responded to reports of smoke coming from a structure in the 43000 block of McK. Hwy. in Leaburg. When firefighters arrived, crews observed smoke coming from the roof and attic space of a manufactured home, with flames beginning to show through the roof. Firefighters quickly located a significant amount of fire at the rear of the residence and launched what officials described as an aggressive attack to contain the blaze.

Because vehicles were parked in the driveway, responders were initially unsure whether anyone was inside the home. Deputies from the Lane County Sheriff’s Office were able to quickly contact the homeowner and confirm the residence was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

While no people were injured, a dog died in the fire. Two cats remain missing following the incident.

Additional assistance came from Eugene Springfield Fire, Upper McKenzie Rural Fire Protection District and Mohawk Valley Rural Fire District.

McKenzie Deputy Chief Bart Thompson said incidents like this highlight the strength and importance of our automatic and mutual aid agreements. “The rapid, coordinated response from all agencies involved is a testament to those partnerships, he noted, adding that “Our thoughts are with the homeowner during this difficult time.”

Thompson also thanked “all responding crews for your dedication and teamwork.”

The cause of the fire has not been released.