Media contact: Lily McCormick
Regional Communications Manager
Lily.McCormick@redcross.org | 385-584-7610
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 7, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Utah has stepped in to provide critical support to the 14 residents displaced by a fire at Salt Lake City fourplex Tuesday morning. The fire, which destroyed the house converted into apartments and left four families without homes, is just days after flooding damaged nearly three dozen homes this weekend.
In response to today’s fire, the Red Cross has opened a temporary evacuation center at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 1883 South West Temple St. The evacuation center is providing displaced residents with essential services, including snacks, water, prescription medication replacement, eyeglass and medical equipment replacement, and ensuring they have a safe place to stay. Additionally, mental health and spiritual care services are available to help residents navigate this challenging time.
“When disaster strikes, Red Cross volunteers are always ready to provide critical support to those in need,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “In the aftermath of this devastating fire that displaced 12 people and 14 dogs from their homes, our volunteers responded immediately to offer relief and comfort. We remain committed to helping these residents recover and rebuild their lives.”
Red Cross Aids Fire and Flood Victims
Salt Lake City Fire responded to a blaze at 1680 S 700 W, which displaced 21 residents from a fourplex. More than 30 firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, and fortunately, no injuries were reported. This fire comes on the heels of severe flooding over the weekend, which impacted more than three dozen homes mostly in the Rose Park neighborhood. Record-breaking rainfall—2.5 inches in just 14 hours—overwhelmed drainage systems, leaving many homes waterlogged and residents in need of assistance.
Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground, helping families recover from both disasters by providing immediate relief and support.
Red Cross of Utah Home Fire Responses
This year, Red Cross of Utah volunteers have already responded to more than 120 home fires, assisting nearly 600 people. Last year, the Red Cross responded to nearly 160 home fires in Utah, helping more than 725 residents. Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers play a critical role in offering immediate assistance to those affected by home fires. Services provided include temporary shelter, emotional support and recovery planning resources to help families rebuild after a disaster.
Become a Red Cross Volunteer Today
The Red Cross is actively seeking additional volunteers in Utah to meet the growing demand for disaster response. After completing training, volunteers are prepared to assist during local emergencies and, with additional experience, can deploy to major disasters nationwide. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, 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.
