Apartment fire leaves single Montreal mother, son without home

Laura Fleming, a single mother living in Verdun, lost her home and her and her son Amari’s belongings in an apartment fire on March 17 that left several other families displaced as well.

“I told my son just to get out from the house. We didn’t have time to grab anything. We just exited the building, and then at that point, the whole building was on fire,” said Fleming when recounting the evening that she lost her apartment.

Now, the two have had to start from scratch to rebuild what they had lost, starting with finding a new place to live, sourcing new clothes and replacing essential household items to make their new home. 

“It’s everything, washer, dryer, fridge, stove, clothing, all of my son’s toys, all of our books. I had a massive rare plant collection. I had over 60 plants that I put so much time and effort into, and they all perished in the fire,” explained Fleming.

Fleming says that she had apartment insurance, but is not sure how much she will receive. An online fundraiser has been set up to help the single mother and she says that this support has been very helpful to get her living situation back on track. 

“It’s been overwhelming, honestly, just from the moment that the fire happened. I just had an outpouring of support, and it’s very overwhelming to see, and I’m just so grateful because without that, I would really be in a difficult position right now,” said Fleming.

There were no residents injured during the fire, but one fireman suffered an ankle injury and was treated by emergency medical services.

In a written statement to CityNews, the Montreal fire department says that the investigation into the fire is still ongoing, so they cannot provide the cause at this time.

“I don’t think it was intentional. Everybody lost their home, so I think that it’s been difficult for everyone,” said Fleming.

Seven other units that had to be evacuated included other families and couples who now have to find new homes.

“There’s multiple families living here. There’s a couple downstairs. They had a beautiful garden,” said Fleming, adding, “I know my neighbour, his cat, ended up being trapped in the apartment. Luckily, nobody or no animals were hurt, but it was very stressful. Everybody just lost their beautiful space, so I know that it’s been difficult.”

Fleming says that she did speak to the landlord who told her that the building suffered major damage and much of it will need to be reconstructed.

Since the fire, Fleming has been living with her sister, but says that she has just found a new apartment in Ville Émard for herself and her son. 

“It’s difficult, but it is just your possessions. We’re lucky that we’re alive and that we’re able to restart, so there is always hope,” said Fleming.