6 Fires in Less than a Week

This morning’s fire in Newton Township brings the total of fires the Red Cross has been called to the past several days to 6.

Officials say they normally see a trend in winter fires due to alternative heat sources and over-loaded power circuits. Yet what happened this weekend is almost unheard of.

"Five fires in one weekend is pretty much unprecedented. We have never seen that before and hopefully we never see it again " said Executive Director of the Red Cross Marlene Henderson.

Two families maybe back in their homes this week. The other three will have to look for alternative housing or rebuild. The Red Cross is able to give the families food, clothes and short term housing. Situations like this do affect their budget.

"We try to budget on a monthly basis on our disaster fund and right now it definitely has made an impact on it " said Henderson.

Since July there has been 35 fires and the Red Cross has had to spend more money than in past years. Henderson says their generous donors have been able to help.