Media Contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
lily.mccormick@redcross.org I 385-584-7610
OGDEN, Utah (August 23, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Utah Disaster Action Team enacted their 100th home fire response on August 20 after a fire broke out in Ogden, Utah. The apartment fire started late Tuesday night with several residents sustaining injuries and two being displaced from the building.
“Home fires are becoming an increasingly common issue in Utah and Nation-wide,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Northern Utah and Southwest Wyoming. “I encourage everyone to use these incidents as a warning for the dangers of home fires. Checking your smoke alarms, creating an escape plan, and knowing what to do in case of a fire is essential.”
Most people don’t realize that they may have as little as two minutes to escape a home fire, with on average, seven people die in home fires every day, most of them children and older adults. Additionally, more than 30 people are injured daily, and annual losses exceed $7 billion in property damage. To address this urgent threat, the Red Cross and partners launched the Home Fire Campaign, which has already installed more than 2.5 million free smoke alarms and helped make over 1 million households safer. Still, home fires remain a daily danger, underscoring the need for prevention and preparedness.
Local Home Fire Responses
So far this year, Red Cross of Utah volunteers have responded to 100 home fires, helping more than 450 people. Last year, Red Cross volunteers responded to nearly 170 home fires, assisting more than 780 residents.
Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers play a critical role in providing immediate relief, including temporary shelter, emotional support and recovery planning resources to help families rebuild after a disaster.
Supporting Your Community
Home fires are the most common disaster in the United States, often leaving families in urgent need of aid. Flanigan emphasized the importance of volunteer support, “We hope people take advantage of the resources and support we provide to those affected by everyday disasters,” he said.
The Red Cross is looking for additional volunteers across Utah to meet the growing demand for disaster response. After participating in provided training, volunteers are prepared to assist during local emergencies and, with additional training and experience, deploy to major disasters nationwide. Learn more at redcross.org/DAT.
Empowering Communities with Fire Prevention
Residents can also help prevent home fire tragedies through the Sound the Alarm campaign, which offers free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education. During visits, Red Cross volunteers and community partners provide home fire prevention information and evacuation planning guidance for all members of the household including pets. Learn more or schedule a visit at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
