An American family headed for a new life in Cape Breton is fighting to remain in Canada after losing all of their possessions in a devastating RV fire over the weekend.

The Piegan family decided to move to Canada to start fresh. They say they like Canadians, and want a good education for their teenaged daughter, so they packed their life into an RV and left their native Ohio to begin the long drive to Cape Breton.

Those dreams quite literally went up in smoke when their RV caught fire just outside of Amherst on Sunday afternoon.

“It’s been a very brief encounter on unfortunate terms, but I really feel this could be our future home,” said Amanda Piegan.

The Canadian Red Cross says the fire started around 4:30 p.m. Sunday while the family was travelling eastbound on Highway 104, southeast of Amherst, N.S.

The family escaped without injury but they lost everything, including their passports and other ID, in the fire, which also destroyed the RV.

“Within what seemed like a second or two, it went from white to black to flame,” said Amanda.

Amanda and her daughter Gwen, were able to escape with the family dog after pulling over, while her husband Rick attempted to beat down the flames.

“I couldn’t breathe,” he said. “I fell to the floor, and the only option was to go towards the light. Everyone said there was nothing but flames when I rolled out of it.”

People pulled over to give the family water, an improvised dog leash, and even sandals for Gwen, who was forced to leave the RV in bare feet.

A local Wal-Mart even opened late for the family to get some food and clean clothing before the Canadian Red Cross put them up in a hotel.

“Everyone here is just so nice,” said Gwen. “If this would have happened back where we lived, no one would have stopped. Guaranteed.”

However, the family says they’re being forced to go back to the United States. After speaking with the American Consulate, the family learned they’ll have to take a government loan and go to Maine over the coming days.

The Piegans’ only had liability insurance to keep moving costs low, and don’t believe they will be given any assistance to live in Maine while they wait for new documents.

While they are uncertain how they’ll find the money to return to Canada, the Piegans are prepared to fight for their fresh start north of the border.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Cami Kepke.

 

 

Burning RV on the Cobequid Pass @cbcns

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