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The Red Cross has certainly had a busy weekend, and now they need your help. An apartment fire forced 80 people to evacuate and left some homeless. The Red Cross wants to help, especially being so close to the holidays.
The four-alarm blaze started early Saturday morning at 1044 E. 400 South, a six-story complex with 39 units. Investigators believe a cigarette sparked the fire at the Incline Terrace apartment complex. The Red Cross helped 38 people from the complex with shelter, food, clothing, bedding and prescription refills. Fifteen people used the overnight shelter.
Susan Thomas, with the Red Cross of the Greater Salt Lake Area, said, "It just rips your heart out when you are forced from your home and lose everything you have. And for it to happen near Christmas makes it so much worse. So many people were affected."
Residents were allowed to retrieve medicinal items. They won't be let back in to retrieve other belongings until the upper floors are deemed safe for entry. That could take several days.
The building will need to be extensively remodeled before residents can move back in. That could take several months to complete.
The Red Cross says landlords may call the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter, Logan Sisam of Emergency Services, at 801-323-7002 if they have comparable available rental properties in this area.
The local chapter says it is accepting financial donations to help fund this disaster relief effort. Those wishing to donate can call 801-323-7000 during regular business hours this week or visit the Red Cross of Utah Web site.
E-mail: ngonzales @ksl.com
