Red Cross is responding to major fire tonight, helping 16 people

Salt Lake City, UTAH ( Monday, July 26, 2010)- The American Red Cross is on the scene of a fire affecting one home and two duplexes in the 700 South block of Roberta (near 300 East) in Salt Lake City. The Red Cross is now helping 16 individuals after the fire that damaged the 3 buildings and affected 5 units in Salt Lake City this afternoon. The Red Cross is helping these families with food and clothing. One family has a 7 week old baby and the Red Cross provided a crib and baby supplies for that family. At this time the affected families do not need Red Cross assistance with shelter and they have places to stay for the next few days.

The American Red Cross in Utah responds to more than two incidents per week, some of them rendering multiple families homeless. Nationwide, the American Red Cross local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.

Help people affected by disasters, like this fire, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, or your local Chapter at www.utahredcross.org. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.