An early Thursday morning fire at the Eugene Mission has been ruled accidental by the Eugene Springfield Fire Department. Investigators say a container of oily rags spontaneously combusted.
Jack Tripp, Executive Director of the Mission, says more than 200 men evacuated from the building after being awoken by fire alarms a little after 2 a.m. He says no one was injured but the kitchen was gutted.
“We serve about 750 meals a day.” Tripp says, “So we’re coming up with creative ways of doing so. But we need this community’s help.”
In the short term, Tripp asks for donations of ready-to-eat food like cereal, and sandwich fixings. In the medium term, the Mission will set up a temporary kitchen and dining room. They’ll need grills and propane tanks.
This Saturday’s Food Truck Festival Saturday is a benefit for the Eugene Mission. It’s the largest fundraiser of the year for the homeless shelter. It’s from 11 to 3 at Valley River Center.
A news release from the Eugene Mission says Northwest Community Credit Union has donated $10,000 to help after the fire.
Food and supplies can be dropped off at the Mission located at 1542 W. 1st Ave Eugene, OR 97402
Monetary donations can be made on the Mission website: www.eugenemission.org or a GoFundMe account has been set up as well.
Tripp also said, Eugene Mission also wants to thank the Eugene/ Springfield Fire Department for their quick response and support.
