Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
PROVO, Utah (Jan. 13, 2025) — Early this morning, American Red Cross of Utah volunteers and staff opened an evacuation shelter for more than 25 people displaced by a devastating apartment fire in Provo.
Firefighters were dispatched to 351 E. Center St. around 6 a.m., where the blaze damaged or destroyed several units. Due to utilities being shut off, residents from all 30 units of the building were displaced. Working alongside local emergency management officials and leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Red Cross opened an evacuation shelter at a church located at 502 East 200 North.
The Red Cross is providing immediate support at the shelter, such as temporary housing, food, clothing and personal care items. “Our dedicated volunteers are on-site offering emotional support and meeting the emergency needs of those affected,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “We’ll continue working closely with these families in the coming days and weeks to help them recover.”
Officials anticipate most residents will be able to return home later today once utilities are restored. For those whose apartments are damaged and uninhabitable, the Red Cross will work with local and church officials to provide ongoing assistance.
Supporting Utahns Affected by Home Fires
Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers frequently respond to home fires, which remain the most common disaster in the U.S. Last year, the Red Cross of Utah responded to over 150 home fires, providing aid to more than 800 residents. “This work is only possible because of our volunteers, community partners and generous donors,” Donner said. “Together, we bring hope and relief to those in need when disaster strikes.”
Empowering Communities with Fire Safety
To reduce the risk of home fires, the Red Cross of Utah partners with local organizations to offer free smoke alarms and fire safety education. Last year alone, volunteers installed more than 1,250 smoke alarms statewide. “We’re also providing families with the knowledge they need to evacuate safely during a fire,” Donner said.
Residents can schedule free smoke alarm installations and fire safety consultations at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. During these visits, Red Cross volunteers and community partners share valuable advice on fire prevention, evacuation plans, and the importance of having an emergency plan that includes all members of the household, including pets. “Many people don’t realize they only have about two minutes to escape a home fire or that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years,” Donner said.
Supporting Your Community
The Red Cross is actively seeking Disaster Action Team volunteers in Utah to ensure a quick, efficient response to emergencies like home fires. New volunteers receive training to provide on-site or remote support and can gain additional experience to respond to larger disasters nationwide. Learn more about becoming a disaster response volunteer 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.
