Regina girl receives award for quick thinking during fire

A nine-year-old Regina girl is being awarded for her quick, calm actions during a fire which helped save her mother’s life.

In April 2018, a box left on the stove caught fire in an apartment on Buckingham Dr. E. When then eight-year-old Nahla Zaremba heard the fire alarm, she woke up, called 9-1-1, put her puppy Max on a leash and went outside.

She helped direct firefighters when they arrived, who saved Nahla’s mother when she got trapped. She had gone to find a fire extinguisher on the balcony, but couldn’t get back inside because the fire had already spread from the kitchen to the balcony.

“That’s why I’m here today. I owe her my life. She’s my little superhero,” said Christie Zaremba.

Nahla was the youngest of more than 80 citizens and police officers to receive a Regina Police Service Award on Tuesday. She received the Chief’s Commendation which awarded in recognition of bravery or an exceptional contribution to the service.

“I was just kind of nervous but excited at the same time,” said Nahla.

Christie was in a coma after suffering 3rd and 4th degree burns on 30 per cent of her body and spent two months in hospital. She had to learn how to eat, drink and walk again.

“She did save my life. 100 per cent,” Christie said.