Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (March 9, 2024) — Early this morning, American Red Cross volunteers from Southern Nevada responded to two apartment fires and a house fire, providing immediate assistance to 29 adults and 14 children, ensuring they had food, clothing and a safe place to stay.
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue responded to a fire at an apartment complex at 2217 N. Jones Blvd. around 12:30 a.m. today. The fire damaged or destroyed four apartments, displacing 10 adults and five children. Another call led them to 6666 W. Washington Ave. for a 3:30 a.m. fire that forced 15 adults and two children out of six apartments.
North Las Vegas Fire responded to 413 Mulberry Glen Dr. at about 7 a.m. for a house fire that displaced four adults and seven children. No injuries were reported at any of the three fire sites.
The Red Cross is aiding the displaced families with essentials such as temporary shelter, food, clothing, personal care items and financial support where necessary. “Our dedicated volunteers are providing emotional support and addressing emergency needs,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Our caseworkers will continue to guide families through recovery in the coming days and weeks.”
Home fire victims assistance
Our Disaster Action Team volunteers are trained to provide emotional support, financial assistance and valuable information to help families begin to recover after a disaster. Last year, our volunteers responded to more than 300 home fires, aiding over 1,200 people. “We are grateful for our volunteers, community partners and all the generous donors who empower us to offer hope and relief to victims of home fires and other disasters,” Flanigan added.
Protect your home from fire. Get free smoke alarms and fire safety education.
To help prevent home fires, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Red Cross's free smoke alarm installation program and fire safety education. Those interested can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada to schedule an appointment. During a brief 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers also provide fire prevention tips, guidance on actions during a fire and assistance in creating an effective escape plan.
“Most people don't realize that they only have about two minutes to escape a home fire and that smoke alarms need replacing every 10 years,” Flanigan said. “Arming yourself with this knowledge can mean the difference between survival and tragedy.”
Join the team
We are always in need of more volunteers in Southern Nevada. After initial training, volunteers can sign up for shifts to respond to emergencies in all weather conditions, day or night, either on-site or remotely. With experience and further training, they can take on leadership roles and become eligible for deployment to large-scale disasters in Nevada and across the country. To learn more, visit redcross.org/DAT.
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.