FLORENCE, SC (January 23, 2025) — On Wednesday, January 23, 2025, American Red Cross of South Carolina volunteers from the Eastern SC Chapter responded to an apartment fire at South Dargan Street in Florence. At this time, the Red Cross is helping 24 people by providing immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, along with referrals to much-needed resources, such as health services, to replace medical items lost in the fire.   

Here in South Carolina, the Red Cross responds to an average of six home fires every day — and home fire responses increase by about 30% during colder months  

“This time of year, we tend to see a 30% uptick in home fires," said Kara Byrd, Executive Director of the Red Cross of South Carolina Eastern Chapter. “Our hearts and resources are with those impacted, and we’re going to be with them every step of the way throughout their recovery.

In addition to immediate needs, Red Cross team members are providing mental and spiritual care assistance to anyone who may need it. The Red Cross will continue to stay in contact with its partners to see if any additional assistance is needed.   

DISASTER ACTION TEAM VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The American Red Cross of South Carolina needs the community's help to respond to our neighbors in need. More than 2,000 people volunteer with the Red Cross throughout the state. These volunteers answer the call in the middle of the night to comfort a family down the street impacted by a home fire. You can make a difference by turning tragedy into hope. Visit redcross.org/volunteer today to get started.   

HOW TO HELP Help people affected by disasters, like home fires, and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.  People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.   

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.