In coordination with local community partners, the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region provided emergency support for individuals and families impacted by a home fire that occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday May 13 on the 900 block of W. Airy Street in Norristown.
About the Incident
The Times Herald reports that the two-alarm fire broke out around 12:45 p.m. Wednesday after a tree fell onto power lines, sparking flames that spread to several homes along W. Airy Street, displacing more than two dozen people.
About the Response
Soon after the fire was extinguished, the Red Cross worked with the Norristown Fire Department to open a reception center at ACLAMO on W. Marshall Street. After a few hours, the reception center was reloacted to Blockson Middle School. Three residents stayed at the shelter overnight Wednesday.
To accommodate the school day, residents were transported to the Senior Adult Activity Center (SAAC) of Montgomery County in Norristown Thursday morning.
The SAAC served as a reception center throughout the day Thursday, then transitioned into an overnight shelter, which supported up to 3 people through Monday afternoon, May 18.
At the shelter, Red Cross volunteers worked with community partners to provide a safe place to sleep, meals and snacks, access to showers, clothing, comfort and care items and emotional support.
Community Partners
The Red Cross is grateful to our county, municipality and community partners for mobilizing resources to help impacted residents. Partners include:
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This story was updated throughout the response.
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