News Archives 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mary Miller
American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter
(503) 528-5633 or (503) 705-2584

Red Cross Helps Families Recover From Three Alarm Fire

PORTLAND, Ore.—July 19, 2003—Red Cross volunteers enjoying the hot weather were paged at 7:30 p.m. tonight to respond to a “hot fire” in Portland. Often, volunteers are called after a fire has been contained, but tonight they arrived on the scene as firefighters were still trying to put out the blaze.
The fire affected four units at an apartment complex located on NE 159th in Portland. Due to the intensity of the fire and unseasonably warm temperatures, three firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion. Red Cross volunteers provided assistance to four adults and seven youth.

One of the affected residents had invited friends over to celebrate his thirteenth birthday on July 20. He was away from the apartment complex when the fire started and arrived home to find all of his personal possessions destroyed. His friends stayed with him throughout the evening, providing emotional support as he and his family processed the unfortunate incident.

The affected residents were able to move into vacant apartments in the complex. The Oregon Trail Chapter provided vouchers for clothing, shoes, laundry supplies, baby formula, pillows and towels. The families will be visiting the Oregon Trail Chapter on Monday so they can receive additional assistance based on their immediate needs.

This assistance was offered at no charge to Red Cross disaster clients, who are served thanks to the generosity of Oregonians supporting the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross. To become a volunteer or support Red Cross services with a charitable contribution, call (503) 284-1234.

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2003 Archives

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American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.PrepareOregon.org