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“There’s a difference in between determining where it started and what the definitive cause was. It could take a week, it could take a month, it could just go undetermined. Most fire causes go undetermined,” Wiley said.

What is known is, the fire started somewhere in the kitchen area, but the exact cause is still under investigation. We also know that there were no pets in the house, and no one was injured, so if there is a silver lining in all of this, it is that everyone made it though the event physically healthy; occupants, neighbors, and responders. The mental aspect is a different story, two adult males and one 14-year-old boy lost their home and all their belongings 11 days before Christmas, in the middle of a pandemic where everyone is already stressed. Chief Wiley understands the affects this has on people and is clearly sympathetic. “It makes it hard for the homeowner, especially at this time of year,” he said.

In true Minnesota fashion, friends and neighbors stepped up instantly to help those misplaced by the fire. A go-fund-me was set up around 9:00 a.m. Monday morning with an initial goal of $5,000. By 6:00 p.m. it was approaching $6,000 and the goal was increased to $7,500. If you would like to contribute, the short link to the page is https://gf.me/u/zcnm2c The Neighbors of Newport MN Group on Facebook has a thread going with the go-fund-me link and there is also discussion on the Newport Fire Departments page. If you are looking to donate items instead of cash, that would be a good place to start to make the needed contacts.

As tragic as this event is, please use it as a reminder to check your safety plans and devices in your house. Make sure your smoke detectors work, check fire extinguishers, make sure you are not overloading any circuits and hundreds of other things to help avoid a second tragedy this winter. Be safe and stay healthy this winter!