Red Cross funding down after string of fires
-
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV)- A string of fires across the Valley have given firefighters plenty to do the past few days. Not just them. Red Cross volunteers are being strained as they help victims of these fires. Video by ktnv.com
video
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- A string of fires across the Valley have given firefighters plenty to do the past few days. Not just them. American Red Cross volunteers are being strained as they help victims of these fires.
The Red Cross is being pushed to the limit with all the recent disasters. The non-profit group helps victims pay for a place to stay, buy food and clothes, and stays with them beyond the first few days until they get back on their feet. Now they're wondering how long they can continue to help people.
"It doesn't have anything to do with socio-economic standpoints. It doesn't have anything to do with that. It can be you. It can be me. It can be any of our neighbors, our family," says Lloyd Ziel, with the American Red Cross chapter of Southern Nevada.
The group says the past few days, several blazes have left them in dire need of funds used to help victims.
"When it comes a bunch of fires like this all at one time, we really need to reach out for extra help and say our coffers are getting lower. What can we do to make sure that we can show up to these things and make sure that these folks have shelter," says Ziel.
A condo fire Saturday evening caused damages estimated at $25,000. Later that night a refrigerator caught fire inside a unit at the Sheppard Hills Apartment Complex. That estimated damage is at $80,000. The worst one this past weekend in North Las Vegas killed more than half a dozen dogs.
"We've had maybe a shade more fires this year than we've had in years past. All the fires we've had here in the City have been accidental fires," says Tim Szymanski with the Las Vegas Fire and Rescue.
"You can't put your finger on any one thing. We had children playing with matches. We had mechanical failures in equipment. We had careless smoking," says Szymanski.
"When somebody walks up with a red cross on their vest and puts their arm around somebody, and says we're going to make sure that this is OK for you, people believe it," says Ziel.
Now the Red Cross hopes they can continue bringing that assurance to families, when they need it most.
The Red Cross chapter of Southern Nevada says they need your donations. To make a donation over the phone you can call (702) 369-3674 and ask for Brooke.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.