Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
ST. GEORGE, Utah (June 7, 2026) — The American Red Cross of Utah opened its St. George office as a temporary shelter Sunday morning after an apartment fire on Riverside Drive destroyed a 20-unit building and displaced dozens of residents.
More than 20 people came to the Red Cross office for a safe place to rest while disaster responders worked with local officials to identify immediate needs. Red Cross volunteers have connected with residents from 11 of the 20 affected apartments and are working to reach residents from the remaining units. Einstein Bros. Bagels donated food for displaced residents at the temporary shelter.
“Our first priority is making sure people have a safe place to go after a disaster like this,” said Benjamin Donner, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Central and Southern Utah Chapter. “Red Cross volunteers are working with local officials to help residents begin the next steps, including lodging, food, clothing, medication replacement and other recovery support.”
The total number of displaced residents is still being determined, but officials believe more than 50 people may be affected. Anyone affected by the fire who needs assistance can contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Red Cross Volunteers Respond to Home Fires Across Utah
Red Cross volunteers respond to home fires across Utah, providing emergency assistance to residents. Since 2020, volunteers have responded to 1,008 home fires and helped 4,649 people. In 2025, volunteers responded to 154 home fires, assisted 728 people and installed more than 2,000 free smoke alarms. So far this year, volunteers have responded to 67 home fires and helped 243 people.
Become a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer
Red Cross disaster volunteers help residents after emergencies such as home fires, providing immediate support in person or remotely. With additional training and experience, disaster volunteers may have opportunities to deploy to larger relief operations across the country. Red Cross volunteers also assist with blood drives, support military families and help communities prepare for emergencies.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
Free Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety Visits
To help reduce the risk of home fire tragedies, residents can schedule free smoke alarm installations through the Sound the Alarm campaign. During home visits, Red Cross volunteers install smoke alarms, share fire safety information and help families create evacuation plans for all household members, including pets.
To schedule an appointment or to learn more, visit 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.
