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 responded to its 100th home fire of the year on Wednesday, Aug. 20, after a blaze broke out in Ogden. The late-night apartment fire left several residents injured and displaced two families.
“Home fires remain one of the most common and devastating disasters we face in Utah and across the country,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “These incidents are a powerful reminder of how quickly lives can be upended. Taking simple steps — like testing your smoke alarms, creating an escape plan, and knowing what to do in an emergency — can make all the difference in protecting your loved ones.”
So far this year, Red Cross of Utah volunteers have responded to 100 home fires, providing support to more than 450 people. In 2024, volunteers answered nearly 170 home fires, assisting over 780 residents. Disaster Action Team volunteers provide immediate aid, including temporary shelter, replacement of prescriptions, emotional support and recovery resources to those affected.
Home fires remain the nation’s most frequent disaster. On average, seven people die each day from home fires, most of them children and older adults, and more than 30 people are injured daily. Families may have as little as two minutes to escape. Beyond the tragic human toll, fires cause more than $7 billion in property damage annually.
Empowering Communities with Fire Prevention
To address this ongoing threat, the Red Cross and its 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 nationwide. Even so, the danger persists, underscoring the need for continued prevention and preparedness across Utah communities
The Red Cross of Utah partners with local organizations to install free smoke alarms and provide fire safety education. Utah residents can sign up for free smoke alarm installation appointments at SountTheAlarm.org/Utah. Last year alone, Red Cross volunteers installed over 1,500 free smoke alarms statewide.
Supporting Your Community
Home fires often leave families in urgent need of aid. Smauldon emphasized the importance of volunteer support, “The presence of the Red Cross and its volunteers ensures displaced residents receive the vital care they need to rebuild their lives,” she said.
The Red Cross is seeking additional volunteers in Utah to meet the growing demand for disaster response. After 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.
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.
