Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (April 11, 2023) — American Red Cross of Utah staff and Disaster Action Team volunteers joined with the Salt Lake City Fire Department in responding to a multi-unit apartment fire today in the Avenues Neighborhood. The Red Cross was able to assist nearly 20 residents with their immediate needs, including helping provide access to safe lodging tonight.
The Salt Lake City Fire Department responded to the blaze about 1 p.m. Tuesday. The three-alarm fire destroyed or extensively damaged nine units displacing about 20 residents. The entire 119-unit building was evacuated by firefighters without any injuries, fire officials said.
“Red Cross volunteers and staff support their neighbors in their time of need,” said Heidi Ruster, Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region. “Our specialized Disaster Action Team volunteers are trained to provide emotional support, access to financial assistance and valuable information during times of crisis to help families begin to recover.”
Tuesday fire comes after Red Cross staff and volunteers responded to 15 home fires statewide last month, assisting 70 residents. “Today’s fire and the 15 Red Cross responses to home fires this past month illustrates how important these crisis volunteers are to our community,” Ruster said.
Free smoke alarms and fire safety educations available
Residents interested in fire prevention assistance can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah to schedule an appointment for a free smoke alarm installation. During the 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers will also share information on home fires, how to prevent them, what to do if a fire starts, and how to create an escape plan.
“We are honored to partner with so many fire departments and community groups across the state to help install free smoke alarms,” Ruster said. “Most people don’t realize they only have two minutes to escape a home fire or that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years. Taking action with this knowledge can be the difference between survival and tragedy.”
Home fire campaign saves lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has worked with community partners to save more than 1,600 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans, and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires. Home fires claim seven lives every day in the U.S. and most often these tragedies occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.