Information wasn't available Tuesday on whether headway has been made into the cause of a Friday house fire because the fire investigator was off-duty Tuesday, but homeowner Keith Darnay said that it's his understanding that investigators are still focusing on an electrical problem in the basement.

On Friday evening, Darnay, 49, and his wife, Marian Petersen, 44, saw a smoke trail on the living room and dining room ceiling, and ran out of their home at 1206 Sunset Drive with about 30 seconds to spare, Darnay estimates.

They were uninjured, as was their son, Mackenzie Petersen, 16, who was not at home at the time of the fire. However, the family's two cats died in the fire.

Darnay said his family is still living in a hotel, but that will probably change next week. The family has found out that a vacant house located on the same block as their home is available for them to rent.

"How fortunate can (that) be?" Darnay asked.

Because of its location, their son's school routine doesn't have to change, and Darnay's commute will remain the same to his workplace, the Bismarck Tribune.

"You couldn't invent a better scenario," he said.

Darnay said he's also amazed at the outpouring of help from the community. "It's overwhelming."

An account has been set up at BNCNational Bank. Anyone wishing to make a donation can go to any of the bank's locations and make a deposit into the Keith Darnay Fire Benefit Fund.

For more informationon how you can help, call 250-8272.