CANBY, Ore. — A Canby man lost nearly everything in a house fire on Sept. 9 and barely escaped with his life. Now friends are trying to help him recover some of what was lost.

Dick Paget, 74, said he had just woken up when he heard the crackling sound of electricity.

“I looked down at the side of my bed and there were already flames coming up,” Paget said.

Officials with Canby Fire District said the fire appeared to have been started by an electric extension cord. Paget tried to put out the flames, but it was no use. Within minutes, the entire house was engulfed.

“I had to grab a pair of pants and run for the front door,” Paget said. “My cell phone’s toast and my iPad’s toast… I’m just happy to be alive.”

Despite his loss, Paget is thinking about others.

“It’s funny, I take a buddy t

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