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Couple_loses_Everything_in_fire

Feature Article

Feature Article

November 12, 2003

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Couple loses everything in fire

James and Tammy Matte barely escaped with their lives last week, when fire destroyed their mobile home in the early morning hours of November 6. The trailer burned in about 12 minutes, and James and Tammy are still very shaken from the ordeal. In addition, James hurt his back when he had to jump out of a back window onto a pile of rocks.

The circumstances that led up to the fire really began a year ago, when the Mattes were unable to get the new oil tank they needed installed before the winter. They were forced to heat with hydro, which created a huge hydro bill. Even with electric heaters, they spent most of the winter huddled under blankets. You could still see your breath, and that was with the heaters going said James. As a result of their difficult circumstances, Tammy was unwell most of the winter.

Finally this year, the oil tank was going to be installed this very week, but in the meantime the couples hydro was cut off because they were unable to pay the large bill. Last Thursday, they were burning a lantern in the night, when their dog knocked it over. James was in the bathroom, and when he came out, all he could see was a wall of flames. He jumped out the back window and then went around the front to get Tammy out. They are very grateful to be alive.

James and Tammy have been taken in by their neighbours Gordon & Georgina Wathen. They are not sure what the situation with their insurance is, and are staying in the Wathens camper for now. Anyone who wishes to help the Mattes can send donations to them, c/o the Wathens, 2548A Henderson Rd, R. R. #1, Arden, K0H 1B0. Tammy wears size 9 shoes/boots, and size XL in clothes, while James wears a 33 pant, and size Large in shirts/coats.

With the participation of the Government of Canada