Warning: The images below may be graphic to some viewers. 

A routine maintenance check on her portable trailer quickly turned into a life-or-death situation for an entrepreneur from Watrous.

Sarah Vanthuyne is the owner of Renowned Mobile Dog Groomer. On Sunday morning, she went into her trailer to do some cleaning and repairs. When she reached to turn on her propane heater, Vanthuyne says it exploded right in front of her and slammed the trailer door shut.

Her hair and clothes lit up in flames as she attempted to shield her face from the heat. She then opened the door, kicked the tank outside, and began rolling around in the snow before running inside to call 911. Paramedics arrived and determined that a ride from a STARS Air Ambulance was in store. Seh was taken to the local health centre, and she now has various blisters and burns on her face and hands. She is also unsure of when she will be able to return to work.

She says she is a “single mother with two boys and being the sole owner and lone worker for my company, it will be impossible to return to work until my injuries are healed and it is safe enough to do so.”

A Go Fund Me has been organized for Vanthuyne. She says, “Between the costs involved with all the medical expenses, hospital stays, future treatments, repairs to my grooming trailer, and not having any other means of income besides my business, every little bit will help as bills, payments and other expenses do not stop during times like this.”