Fund Established for Woman After Laptop Sparked Fire at Woodbury Townhome

A fund has been set up for Woodbury resident Cheri Rose, whose townhome caught fire Jan. 15 after a laptop computer was left charging on her couch.

The US Bank donation system is expected to be up and running in the next day or two, according to Cindy Spreiter, Rose’s sister.

Firefighters were called to the at the 8600 block of Quarry Ridge Lane at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday while Rose was away at work. A neighbor told authorities the smell of smoke had been in the air since about 10 a.m. that morning, Woodbury Fire Cmdr. Wallgren said told Patch.

        Related: Fire Hits Home on Quarry Ridge Lane in Woodbury

Firefighters forced their way into the home, which suffered “extensive damage,” he said.

“The home will not be livable,” Wallgren said.

People will be able to donate at any US Bank location under the Cheri Rose Benefit Fund, said Spreiter. Rose's insurance has a cap, she said, and the funds will be used for everything “from toothbrushes to carpet.”

People can mail checks to: US Bank, c/o Thomson Reuters, 610 Opperman Dr., Eagan, MN, 55123, Spreiter said.

There have been similar fires in Woodbury in which laptops were left on beds or couches and started a fire, Wallgren said.

“I had no idea what would have started the fire,” Rose told FOX 9. “I don't leave things plugged in usually. I never would have thought of the laptop. That was not even crossing my mind.”

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