Red Cross Seeing Increase in Fires

The Muskingum Valley Red Cross has seen an unexpected number of fires over the last month and now they’re asking the community for help.

Since July 1 there have been nine fires in our area, which is very unusual during the summer.

“We’re looking at warm weather where you don’t think of the heating, alternative heat sources, that cause fires. You know anything can happen electrical fires, things like that, cooking fires and we just really hope that people take a proactive approach on that and really pay attention to what’s going on at their houses,” says Marlene Henderson, Muskingum Valley Red Cross.

The Red Cross provides food, clothing and shelter for fire victims. The provide the same amount of assistance to every family, even though the recent number of fires has depleted their funding.

“When we walk in and wrap a blanket around the mom and give them the voucher for new clothes and food it really does mean a lot, because a lot of times there standing there and the only thing they have left are the clothes they have on their back,” she says.

If you would like to donate or to volunteer contact the Red Cross at (740) 452-2731.