Mother ‘walked through fire’ to save son from burning house
An Ottawa woman showed incredible bravery and selflessness when she risked her life to save her youngest son from their burning house on Twyford Street earlier this week. Stephanie McDougall, a 43-year-old mother of three, suffered serious injuries in the fire on the night of Dec. 3 and is currently hospitalized.
Described by her mother, Beth Conway, as a “gentle soul” who is devoted to her children, McDougall’s heroic act involved crossing through the flames to reach her 11-year-old son’s bedroom. She managed to get her son to safety before collapsing in the kitchen, where they were both rescued by firefighters.
It is clear that McDougall’s actions saved her son’s life, as she sacrificed her own well-being to ensure his safety. McDougall is currently in stable condition at The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus, where she is on life support due to lung damage from smoke inhalation. Conway mentioned that McDougall will remain there for two to three weeks before being transferred to a burn rehabilitation center in Toronto.
While McDougall’s 11-year-old son is also receiving medical care at CHEO, her two older sons were able to escape the fire on their own and have since been discharged from the hospital. They are now staying with their father, according to Conway.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by Ottawa Fire Services. Firefighters responded to a call about a natural gas odor near the townhome on Twyford Street and discovered smoke coming from the building. Upon entering, they found McDougall and her son in the kitchen, where they were in need of rescue.
Despite her injuries, McDougall has been conscious at times and has been updated on her sons’ conditions by doctors. Conway mentioned that McDougall’s main concern is the well-being of her children, and knowing that they are okay provides her with some relief.
As a single mother dedicated to raising her children, including one with a disability, McDougall’s focus has always been on her family. Neighbors have rallied around the family by collecting donations, starting an online fundraiser, and providing support during this difficult time.
Conway will soon be moving into a new housing unit to care for her grandchildren while McDougall recovers. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, and McDougall’s family is grateful for the kindness shown during this challenging period.
