New baby softens blow of house fire for Moose Jaw family

It was a rollercoaster of emotions for the family of Kayla Penner and Matt Burns this week, as their newest addition was born early Sunday morning just blocks from the hospital and their house caught fire – all in one week.

It was a roadside delivery for Moose Jaw’s Penner, as she and her sister were on their way to the Wigmore hospital from Penner’s South Hill home.

Speaking to Discover Moose Jaw Monday afternoon, Penner said she called her sister for a ride to the hospital early Sunday morning. Despite her ride showing up promptly at her door, the new addition wasn’t waiting for anyone.

“It was wake up and go to the hospital … no warning,” explained Penner. “I left my house at probably around 4:15 a.m. and he was born at 4:29 a.m. We were like two blocks away from the hospital but he was coming out.” 

Hendrix Andrew Niel Burns was born right then and there, weighing seven pounds and five ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Penner and her new baby made it to the hospital by ambulance shortly after.

“Nurses were checking him out and cut the cord,” she said. “He was really cold and his levels were low, so they had to hook him up to machines. He’s still on the machines, so no one can hold him yet, but we’re hoping (to take him home) soon.”

But home has recently changed for the Penner and Burns family.

Where home will be has recently changed for the Penner and Burns family.

Early Tuesday morning, less than 48 hours after Penner gave birth, the family’s South Hill home caught fire. No family members were hurt but their two dogs and cat didn’t survive the blaze.

“Matt and Zander, the two-year old, were sleeping downstairs and Preston, the four-year old, was sleeping upstairs,” explained Penner’s sister Melony. “Matt had to put Zander over the neighbour’s fence because he kept trying to go back in the house, he ran upstairs to get Preston (their other child) and couldn’t see anything because it was so full of smoke, (but) he got him out too.”

Melony, who helped with the delivery of the new baby boy, said the fact Penner gave birth where she did may have been a “blessing”, given that if the delivery had gone smoothly, Penner and the newborn may have been home when the fire struck. 

Melony said the family has moved from joy to devastation and back to happiness, thanks to the amount of support they have received from family and friends near and far in the last day.

Penner’s mom has a vacant house on her farmland the young family is able to stay in.

Melony, along with many others, are collecting donations for the family, as none of the families’ household items will be salvageable.

“Right now we’re good for clothes for all of the little ones (but) the dad needs clothes – he has nothing,” she said.

She added they’re still in need of Similac Sensitive formula, newborn and size six diapers as well as looking for monetary donations to cover the cost of the ambulance ride from the baby’s delivery.

Donations are being accepted at 944 Stadacona Street West or at Castle Building Centre during business hours.

There has been a GoFundMe page set up, click here to donate. There is also a fundraiser at the Crushed Can Sports Bar & Nightclub on June 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. It will be $20 a ticket. Contact 306-313-0735 if you would like to help or purchase tickets.