Mom & Baby Rescued From St. James Fire Out Of ICU
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- A young mother and her 6-month-old baby who were rescued by volunteer firefighters are out of intensive care.
Alexis Liemthongsamout and Madysin Murch suffered smoke inhalation last week when a fire started in their mobile home in St. James, which is about 40 miles southwest of Mankato.
"I don't know how we survived," Liemthongsamout said.
She needs oxygen to help her breathe. She's still in awe when she holds her 6-month-old baby, Madysin.
"She's a miracle. It's like … when I first met her," she said. "Happy she's alive."
Last Thursday, Liemthongsamout woke up to find her home filled with smoke.
"I grabbed my baby from her room and then I tried getting out the back door," she said.
When that didn't work, she said she yelled for help from the bathroom window, trying desperately to escape.
"I just punched a window, that's all I can remember," Liemthongsamout said. "I held her close in my arms."
St. James volunteer firefighters found Liemthongsamout inside, with Madysin on her chest.
"I look back at the videos after the damage and I can't believe that we got out," she said.
Madysin has a small burn on her right ear. Liemthongsamout needed stitches for cuts from the window, and her fingers were burned. Both suffered smoke inhalation.
Madysin's dad, Steven Murch, says he's grateful. He proposed at the Hennepin County Medical Center, thankful firefighters arrived in time to save his family.
"I can't thank them enough," Murch said. "If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be sitting here talking to you guys."
Investigators think the cause of the fire is electrical. The family lost everything in the fire, including their dog, Buddha.
Firefighters for Healing delivered baby essentials on Thursday, including blankets, bottles, boots and diapers.
The Alexis and Madisyn Fund has been set up at First National Bank in St. James for people who wish to make a donation.
There is also a fundraiser to benefit the family on Dec. 2 at Jake's Stadium Pizza in Mankato, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m.