Media Contact: Melissa Duplantier
(504) 881-9090 | Melissa.Duplantier2@redcross.org

[BATON ROUGE, LAFAYETTE, LA] Jan. 27, 2026 — As freezing temperatures persist across the Capital Area and Western Louisiana, the American Red Cross is responding to a dangerous spike in residential fires while continuing to manage emergency sheltering operations for those displaced by the winter storm.

Since January 21, Red Cross disaster action teams have responded to 44 single-family home fires and two multi-family fires across the state. In the Capital-West region, families are increasingly turning to space heaters and alternative heating sources as power outages and extreme cold linger.

"Our teams are seeing firsthand the devastating intersection of historic cold and the rising threat of home fires," said Micah Nicholas, Executive Director of the Red Cross Capital-West Chapter. "In these freezing conditions, a few seconds of precaution like clearing space around a heater can truly make a difference.”

The Red Cross remains fully engaged in winter storm relief, managing shelters in Lafayette and Sabine. Volunteers are also delivering critical supplies to several other locations to provide warmth and safety to the community. These efforts are made possible through the critical support of community partners and donors.

“I am also deeply moved by the heart of our volunteers; many of them are leaving their own families and braving these same freezing temperatures to ensure their neighbors have a warm  place to sleep and a hot meal. They are the backbone of this mission, and we cannot thank them enough for their sacrifice," Nicholas added.

Looking ahead: Gulf States Insurance Sound the Alarm

In response to the ongoing threat of home fires, the Red Cross is proud to announce the Lafayette Sound the Alarm event. This volunteer-driven campaign is dedicated to reducing home fire injuries and fatalities by providing residents with the tools they need to stay safe.

The American Red Cross installs free smoke alarms in homes as part of their "Sound the Alarm" initiative to reduce home fire deaths. Volunteers install alarms with 10-year, non-replaceable batteries and help families create emergency escape plans. Residents can request these free services by visiting the Louisiana Red Cross website.

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, volunteers will go door-to-door in neighborhoods surrounding Destiny of Faith Church in Lafayette to install free smoke alarms, replace batteries, and help residents create customized fire escape plans.

Event Details:

• When: Saturday, February 28, 2026 

• Where: Destiny of Faith Church, Lafayette (serving the surrounding area) 

• Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

• Volunteer Registration: Sign up here to help save lives
   

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.