On November 7th at about 8:20 pm, a massive fire ripped through 57 Olympia Place in Amherst, MA. My daughter Kendra Salviuolo and her fiancé Liz Brown lost everything they owned in the fire.

The fire started in the new building that is under construction adjacent to 57 OP. The buildings, however, were in such close proximity that the 50-foot flames, visible from Kendra’s bedroom window, were threatening to spread to their building.

Liz had gone into the hallway to investigate a smell. She came back to the apartment to tell Kendra that it was the building next door that was on fire. It was then they looked out their bedroom window to see flames right next to them. They grabbed their phones, keys, wallets, and left the apartment. (They didn’t know for good…)

Liz pulled the fire alarm on their way out to get everyone to safety. Once outside, Kendra didn’t see Liz… doubling back, she found Liz at the entrance to OP holding the door and helping everyone get out. I personally believe that in large part it was the brave actions of this young woman that made the difference in everyone getting out safely and before the fire spread and engulfed 57 Olympia Place too.

Kendra and Liz only have the clothes (pajamas) that they wore out of the building. Any size donation would be greatly appreciated and will go directly to Kendra and Liz to help them replace some basic items.