Belmont Central Fire — Fund for Celso Iniguez

Hello, my name is Mayra Iniguez, the younger sister of Celso. I'm writing this with a hopeful, but heavy heart to raise funds and alleviate the financial stress and burden for Celso and my family after this horrific and tragic fire.

 

In the early hours of December 16, 2021, a fire started in my brother's apartment (cause unknown as of today). The flames and smoke quickly engulfed the entire basement apartment. Celso, his girlfriend Fernanda, roommate Eladio, beloved dog Rita, and Eladio's cat were all trapped in the apartment.

 

Celso and Fernanda are currently in critical, but stable condition thanks to the brave firefighters that jumped in their apartment to save them. Sadly, Eladio did not survive the fire. Celso's beloved dog, Rita, and Eladio's cat also succumbed to the harsh smoke in the apartment. One of the firefighters, Mashawn Plummer, who entered to save them is also in critical condition.

 

Celso sustained third degree burns on his face, arms, chest, and legs. He will be needing skin graft surgery, which is planned for Tuesday and will God-willing be successful. He also suffered severe lung damage due to the toxic smoke and extremely high levels of carbon monoxide that has been getting removed from his lungs. As bad as his external burn wounds are and look, the doctors are very worried about his internal wounds and lungs. The next couple days will be very critical in determining the severity and prognosis for his lungs and other organs.

 

My family is raising funds for his medical expenses, his ongoing care and recovery, and everything he lost in the fire. These funds will also support our parents and siblings as they take time off of work to be with him and help in his recovery.

 

It's going to be a long and hard recovery for Celso, but we're all hopeful and trying to stay positive. Please keep Celso, Fernanda, firefighter Mashawn Plummer, the family of Eladio, and all of our families and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. 
 
Please consider donating to Fernanda's medical fund. Here is the link to the GoFundMe page Fernanda's family has created for her https://gofund.me/286f194a 
 

We sincerely thank you for your support, encouragement, and all the love extended to us while we attempt to navigate this harsh and cruel reality.

 

Local news article of the Belmont Central building fire:

https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-fire-belmont-central-firefighter-injured-north-marmora/11347079/

Celso & Rita

Celso, our mom, and Fernanda