A Moncton woman living with multiple sclerosis says she's grateful to the community that has rushed to her aid following a devastating fire last week.
Kimberly Melanson, 30, suffered third-degree burns to her face, arms and hands when a fire broke out in her apartment building. She moved into her building four months ago, but her mother, Velma Strachan, constantly worried about her daughter’s safety.
“I went to speak to the MLA a couple of times and I told him my worst fear was for that apartment to be on fire,” said Strachan.
A week and a half later, that's exactly what happened. Jason Surette with Big Hearts Small City says there was one entrance and one set of stairs.
“When the fire happened she couldn't get out on her own because she couldn't get up the stairs by herself,” said Surette. “Her boyfriend was able to get out on his own but he tried to rush back in to get her.”
Strachan says she'll never forget the phone call she received the morning of the fire.
“I got the call from my sister. She seen it on Facebook, my sister that lives in Salisbury,” Strachan said. “So I called my other sister and she was having a heart attack while I was telling her. She ended up in the hospital about 10, 15 minutes after Kimmy."
Melanson was just moved out of the intensive care unit and did not feel up to speaking with CTV News, but her mother says she’s looking forward to moving into her new home.
“We found this very nice apartment building behind us that is completely wheelchair accessible, open concept so she can get around all inside the building, inside of her apartment,” said Surette.
Big Hearts Small City paid off Melanson’s $400 outstanding power bill so she can start fresh in a safe home.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Jonathan MacInnis.
