One week ago, a massive fire burned all 24 units during a large condo building fire on Avon Drive in East Windsor. Red Cross disaster workers and caseworkers were at the scene and helped 50 people from 16 families who were displaced from the fire.

Two days later, the smell of smoke was still lingering as some residents could go back into the skeleton of a building to retrieve their belongings. Sopping wet clothing, computers, and charred pictures were among the things carried out. Black garbage bags filled with unsalvageable items were tossed into the nearby dumpster.

One resident who lived behind the condo unit where the fire originated said he had just begun to digitize his family photos and was anxious to see if his computer survived the fire. Another man spent hours breaking into his vehicle, which sat untouched by the damage just a few yards from the building. His keys were lost in the fire with nearly all his belongings. A young woman sat on the sidewalk with her mother, packing what she was able to retrieve, relieved that she purchased a fire safe two years earlier for her important documents.

Red Cross volunteers stopped by the site to encourage any residents who had not already, to come meet with caseworkers.

Thankfully, no one perished or was severely injured in the fire. Those who did not have a place to stay the first night, were placed in a local hotel by the town for one night. The next morning, Red Cross volunteers met with families to provide emergency financial assistance for things like temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs. The team also opened a temporary shelter at the local fire house for anyone needing a place to stay or a meal.

_{“Words cannot express our gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who step forward day in and day out to respond to home fires and work at shelters that assist those facing disasters,” said Rosie Taravella, CEO, American Red Cross New Jersey Region.}

This was one of 41 incidents the New Jersey Red Cross has responded to in 14 days, beginning on June 1, 2024. During this unexplained uptick in home fires, Red Cross disaster volunteers have met with and helped nearly 400 people from 164 New Jersey families. Teams have answered the call to help in communities like Paterson, Bayonne, Metuchen, Somerville, Paulsboro, Asbury Park and many more, providing emotional support, relief, and guidance to people who have experienced the worst days of their lives.

When a Red Cross team provides emergency assistance, it is made possible by the generosity of the American public through donations of their time and money.

Learn how you can support disaster relief at redcross.org.