'The curtains were on fire as I got in my wheelchair': London, Ont. fire victim pleads for accessible housing

A London, Ont. woman who lost her home in a fast-moving fire, is now calling for more affordable and accessible housing.

A London, Ont. woman who lost her home in a fast-moving fire, is now calling for more affordable and accessible housing.

Holly Kupferschmidt's plea comes as the federal budget is tabled Thursday.

Kupferschmidt's accessible townhouse was heavily damaged in a blaze she narrowly escaped in March.

Since then, she has been staying at a central London hotel, while trying to find a temporary home.

It was just after 12 p.m., March 26, witnesses noted flames and smoke rising from her unit on Silverbrook Drive.

Seconds earlier, Kupferschmidt, who lives with muscular dystrophy, had been resting in her bed with her dog by her side.

“I looked and I saw sparks at the outlet. I wasn’t sure if I should call 911 first or get into my wheelchair first. And before I could think about it, the curtains started fire. And I had to get into my wheelchair, super quick, and get out.”