A 28-year-old man died when the mobile home where he was staying burned Sunday morning.
Jonathan Kirby’s body was found inside the trailer after the fire was extinguished.
Linn County deputies, Sweet Home firefighters and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the fire, 28660 Berlin Rd.
At approximately 4:10 a.m. on Sunday, the Linn County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received the call.
The fire originated in the front living room, Fire Chief Mike Beaver said. The trailer was fully involved when firefighters arrived.
At this point, it appears the fire was accidental although the exact cause remained undetermined on Monday, Sheriff Burright said.
Kirby was staying in the 38-foot 1958 trailer, located on his parents’ property.
His father, Doug Kirby, had awakened and noticed a flickering light coming from the trailer as if it were on fire, Sheriff Dave Burright said. He called 911 for help and went to the trailer to find his son but was driven back by the smoke and flame.
Doug Kirby suffered from smoke inhalation and a minor injury to the foot while trying to get to his son. He was not transported to a hospital.
Jonathan Kirby moved to Sweet Home with his family in 1990 and attended Sweet Home High School.
“He was just a fun guy to be araound,” Kirby’s uncle Pat Maloney of Lebanon said. “He’s always smiling. That’s just him.”
Kirby had a high IQ and loved history, Maloney said. He enjoyed reading books and watching television programs about history. He also enjoyed visiting the annual Mission Mill Civil War reenactment with Maloney. He also enjoyed all sports and was a Blazers fan.
“He just loved listenting,” Maloney said. He listened to all kinds of music, including classical and jazz. Maloney plays viola, and Kirby’s brother, David, plays guitar. He would sometimes ask them to play and would just sit and listen to them.
“He loved the outdoors,” Maloney said. “He loved going to the beach. That was his favorite thing. He loved camping out.?
“He cheered people up when you’re around him. He was always interested in other people.? He had a real gentle, sweet spirit. He loved other people and animals. He had a real tender heart for other people’s troubles.”
The Maloney’s three daughters and Kirby and his brothers were just like brothers and sisters to each other, Mrs. Maloney said.
“He’d hang out with his folks, his brothers, alot,” Maloney said. “He was like a support to them as much as they were for him.? He was a big part of our lives. He is going to be missed a lot. The biggest comment everyone makes in the family is he will be missed.
“He was a Christian. He accepted the Lord at an early age.”
The Maloneys last saw Kirby the Sunday after Christmas.
Kirby is survived by his brothers, Davidy Kirby of Sweet Home and Eddie Ostrander of Bend; parents, Doug and Kathy Kirby of Sweet Home; and grandparents, Doris Bloomer of Hillsboro and Cyrus and Clara Maloney of Carlton.
The trailer was a total loss, with an estimated loss of $5,000.
Responding to the fire were two engines, a water tender and three support vehicles with 22 firefighters, deputies and a state deputy fire marshal.
A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. at Crowfoot Baptist Church in Lebanon.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Workman & Steckly Funeral Chapel.