Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (July 21, 2026) — Sarah Marshall has helped Utah families through the aftermath of home fires for years as a Community Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross of Utah. Last month, she was on a camping trip with her family when a fire notification came through one of the emergency apps she monitors for work. The address on the screen was her own.
Marshall and her family were about two hours away when the fire broke out on June 13 at their home in Roy. No one was inside, but by the time they returned, their home had been destroyed.
“I work in disaster response. I teach preparedness. I had emergency supplies. I had a fire plan,” Marshall said. “But preparedness is not about believing nothing bad will ever happen. It’s about giving yourself the best possible chance when something unexpected does happen.”
When Marshall and her family arrived home, firefighters told them conditions inside had become unsurvivable within moments. They lost nearly everything. Investigators later determined the fire was likely caused by a swollen lithium-ion battery.
“We knew the battery was swollen, but because it still worked, we didn’t realize how dangerous it was,” Marshall said. “If sharing what happened helps another family recognize the warning signs, then telling our story is worth it.”
What Families Should Know About Lithium-Ion Batteries
Everyday devices like smartphones, laptops, e-bikes and portable power banks can become serious fire hazards inside the home. Fire safety officials warn that damaged lithium-ion batteries can ignite without warning, even when a device still turns on and seems to work normally. Common warning signs include heat, swelling, dents, cracks and other visible damage.
Any battery showing those signs should no longer be used and should be disposed of properly. Lithium-ion batteries should never be placed in household trash or standard recycling bins, where they can be crushed or punctured and start a fire. Instead, take damaged batteries to a certified battery recycling or household hazardous waste collection site.
On the Other Side of the Disaster
After years of responding to home fires for the Red Cross, Marshall found herself receiving the same support she has spent her career providing to others.
“I’ve responded to many home fires as a Red Cross employee, but standing in my own driveway and seeing Red Cross volunteers there for my family was surreal,” Marshall said. “I wasn’t treated as an employee. I was treated as someone affected by disaster who needed compassion, guidance and immediate support. Even though I know the procedures and teach many of these concepts, I still needed people to walk beside me through the shock and uncertainty.”
The loss also looked different than she expected. Much of what the family owned survived the flames but not the heat and smoke.
“Many of our belongings are still physically there, including treasured keepsakes and my children’s favorite toys, but they are unsalvageable,” Marshall said. “In some ways, that has been harder than if everything had simply turned to ash.”
Check Your Smoke Alarms Tonight
Marshall’s experience has only deepened her commitment to the safety steps she teaches. When her family first moved into their home, the smoke alarms weren’t working. They were replaced through the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, a national effort that installs free smoke alarms and helps families build escape plans. Last year, Red Cross of Utah volunteers installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms.
“That full-circle experience has only strengthened my belief in this mission,” Marshall said. “If there is one thing I hope people do after hearing our story, it’s to check their smoke alarms tonight. Make sure they’re working. Make sure they’re in the right places. Have an escape plan and don’t ignore the warning signs of a damaged lithium-ion battery.”
Red Cross volunteers respond to home fires across Utah every day, providing emergency assistance to families affected by disasters. Since 2020, volunteers have responded to 1,099 home fires and helped 5,073 people. In 2025, volunteers responded to 154 home fires and assisted 728 people. So far this year, volunteers have been called out to 90 home fires and have helped 423 people in Utah.
“Disasters don’t discriminate,” she added. “We lost almost everything we owned, but we didn’t lose each other. If our family’s experience encourages even one person to test a smoke alarm, safely dispose of a damaged battery, or request a free smoke alarm installation, then sharing our story will have been worthwhile.”
Learn more about home fire safety at redcross.org/HomeFire. Utah residents can request a free smoke alarm installation and home fire escape plan by visiting SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah.
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.
