On August 7, 2025, best friends and roommates Lev and Bug (aka Beth) awoke to a frightening scene that could have taken their lives. The smell of smoke and the fading sound of a smoke detector woke Lev at 4am. When she looked out her window, Lev saw rolling smoke and rushed to the front door to find the neighbor's apartment (directly across their shared 2nd-floor landing) in flames, which were spreading fast.

Lev ran to wake Bug - yelling that there was a fire and they needed to grab their cats (Harpy, Ame, and Carter) and get out! They both scrambled out of the apartment, making the hard decision to leave Harpy behind.

They watched their building go up in flames, windows breaking, and screamed to alert their other neighbors in the building to evacuate. The Fire Department arrived quickly and put the fire out, having to destroy the building in the process. Thankfully, everyone got out without injury, and, after an hour and two attempts Harpy was rescued!

But now, their home is ruined. Extensive smoke damage to the building, water damage from putting out the fire, fallen ceiling insulation, and debris throughout the apartment have made it uninhabitable. They are now awaiting a new home, staying in a hotel waiting for a minimum of two weeks until a new unit can be made available for them.

Allegedly, preliminary investigations of the fire believe it was intentionally set. The person accused of being responsible for the fire was their neighbor, and she has since been found and arrested. The case is currently still open, and it is possible that it will result in a trial. As of now, the charges are two counts of Arson in the First Degree, and one count of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree.

Both Lev and Bug are on unpaid leave as they sort through what’s left of their possessions, appear for court proceedings, document all losses for insurance, gather evidence for the case, clean what can be salvaged, and move into a new apartment.

This tragedy has completely upended their lives. Hopefully, Renter’s Insurance will reimburse them for the loss of property and housing, but Bug and Lev will still incur substantial moving and cleaning expenses. That, plus the loss of income have put them in a financial bind.

Please help the best friends as they attempt to rebuild their lives and pursue justice.

Donations will support them during this transition and pay for the unexpected costs for Lev and Bug and their sweet baby kitties.