Following an extensive building fire in downtown Alexandria, Minnesota, American Red Cross volunteers are helping people from more than 16 households affected.

Red Cross volunteers provide comfort, care and relief for essential items such as food, clothing, shelter and personal necessities. In addition, Red Cross teams are supporting first responders by providing food and water on-scene. 

“We're honored to work side-by--side with community partners to support the residents affected by this disaster as well as first responders," said Linda Blackmore, Executive Director for the American Red Cross serving Central Minnesota. "We're grateful for the generous outpouring of support from the community, but we can't accept unsolicited donations of goods." 

The Alexandria fire is just one of more than 10 fires Minnesota Red Cross volunteers have responded to in the past 24 hours. 

Home fires can affected anyone, anytime and the Red Cross encourages everyone to test their smoke alarm batteries and make sure they have a plan to escape their home in two minutes or less.  

Need smoke alarms? 
If you or a loved one needs free smoke alarms installed, call (612) 460-3674, visit getasmokealarm.org or text ALARM to 844-811-0100. 

Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed in Central Minnesota to respond to local disasters to help neighbors affected. In addition, the Red Cross is looking for volunteers to install free smoke alarms and share fire safety information. For more information, send an email to angie.roske@redcross.org. 

Free Emergency App
People can also download the free Red Cross Emergency App for safety tips, severe weather alerts and a home fire quiz. For children, the Monster Guard App is a fun, interactive game that teaches home safety and fire prevention. Download the apps by searching “American Red Cross” in your mobile app store or by going to redcross.org/apps.

Get Involved
The Red Cross depends on the generous support of the American public to fulfill its humanitarian mission. To support our lifesaving work, please consider volunteering or making a donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 gift.