Fire Kills Cats, Damages Home, Fundraiser Launched By Neighbor

COLUMBIA, MD — A Columbia resident not only lost her two beloved cats in an early August house fire, but can't even get into her home to try to salvage what's left after it was condemned. Now, a neighbor is rallying around the woman and hopes others can help.

That resident, Carol, and her son have since been displaced because of the fire, which broke out Aug. 4 around 9 a.m. in the basement of a townhome in the 11000 block of Little Patuxent Parkway at Merion Station Townhouses. Firefighters were able to put the fire out quickly before it could spread.

"At first, I feared it might be my own home, my children and my pets. But as I drew closer, I realized it was Carol’s home — and there she was, standing outside, watching her house burn. Although my home was safe, I felt a deep sadness. A fellow neighbor had just lost so much, and my heart ached for her. In that moment, I realized it was essential to step up because everyone deserves a home," said Roxana M. Segovia-Beltran.

Carol's not only mourning the loss of Pebbles and Niko, her cats, but Segovia-Beltran told Patch that insurance is only covering part of the cost of repairing and restoring her neighbor's home.

The fire damaged the basement, walls were knocked down and everything inside has been blanketed with water and soot damage, Segovia-Beltran said. Carol faces more than $30,000 that she must pay to restore her townhome.

"On top of losing so much, Carol fears that without help, she may even have to sell her home," Segovia-Beltran said. "It has been heartbreaking to see her go through this, and as a neighbor, I am doing my best to rally around her. Carol has lived in the neighborhood for many years and has been an integral part of the community. Now she is facing the overwhelming challenge of starting over."

To help Carol and her son, Segovia-Beltran has started a GoFundMe. She hopes that neighbors and others will be able to help Carol no matter how big or small the contribution.

"Carol has been a pillar in our community as a former HOA president. When I had neighbors who were causing disruptions, she was the one who stepped in and ensured the noise stopped, allowing me to have peace in my home. She also put up signs to help prevent accidents in the neighborhood. Carol truly cared about keeping our community safe and peaceful, and that’s why I believe she deserves our support now, especially as she faces this loss on a fixed income," Segovia-Beltran told Patch.

Related: Two Cats Killed In Columbia House Fire