Man Burned Trying to Save His Children From Fire in Grand Falls

A 29-year-old Grand Falls man is hospitalized for burns after trying to rescue his two young children from a fire that destroyed their home Monday evening.

The Victoria Star reports 29-year-old Sebastian Albert awoke to a friend screaming that the house was on fire. Albert's first thought was to get his 1-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter to safety. He frantically ran into the smoke and flames, before he realized that his friend had already got the children outside.

Firefighters from Grand Falls, Saint-André, Drummond and Saint-Léonard responded around 5:30 p.m to the blaze at a rental home on Mockler Road in Grand Falls. Strong winds fanned the flames and made it difficult to bring the blaze under control.

Albert suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to his arms and face and was treated at Grand Falls General Hospital. The house was a complete loss. Five dogs and two cats perished in the blaze.

Red Cross volunteers assisted with referrals to other agencies for support, Bedell said. The community was also quick to rally through social media channels to offer donations of clothing and other household items for the family.

The New Brunswick Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.