A couple who lost their home in a terrifying fire have been handed the keys to a cottage to spare them from sleeping on the streets.

Brenton and Laura Simmons were trapped in the blaze which ripped through Leopards? Plaza, Pembroke, on Saturday, January 27. Mrs. Simmons suffered third degree burns as she battled through flames to escape and remains in hospital. Her husband was trapped in their room with his head out of the window throughout the incident.

Now, the Corporation of Hamilton ? which employs Mr. Simmons as a road sweeper ? has found the couple a two-bedroom cottage in nearby Laffan Street.

Over the past few days, the Corporation has been painting the building and fitting it out with a bed, couch, fridge, stove, table and chairs.

Mayor Sutherland Madeiros says they can loan the home until they have found alternative permanent housing.

Fire officers have described the Leopards? Plaza as uninhabitable due to the blaze.

Mrs. Simmons previously told she was forced to sleep on the streets because she could find nowhere else in the aftermath of the blaze.

She is now said to be recovering after surgery in hospital, after burns specialist Dr. Christopher Johnson contacted her when he saw pictures of her injuries in this newspaper.

Staff at the Corporation also raised funds for Mr. and Mrs. Simmons, while a $400 anonymous donation was left at the Corporation with the message ?God answers all prayers?.

Mr. Simmons said: ?I would like to thank the Mayor and the staff of the Corporation for their generosity and support. Without their assistance, my wife and I could still be sleeping on the streets. However, they have come to the rescue and we?re delighted to be staying in this cosy cottage, at least for now, and we?re happy to be safe and sound.?

Mr. Madeiros said: ?We value all of our employees. Brenton is up at the crack of dawn every day sweeping the streets of Hamilton. Providing this cottage is the least we can do until he and his wife are back on their feet again. We are deeply sorry for the tragic situation which Brenton and his wife endured last weekend and we hope this cottage will allow them to recover from their ordeal.?

Mr. Madeiros extended his thanks to the citizen who made the anonymous donation.