By Phil Beckman
The American Red Cross is assisting family members, including an infant and toddler, displaced by a fire at Marabella Apartments in Fort Worth Saturday at 3 a.m. Eight units were destroyed and 16 units sustained major damage. Residents evacuated with only the clothes on their backs.
After initially providing blankets, the Red Cross is providing food, comfort kits, hygiene kits, and a place to stay warm to families. A receiving area was set up for people affected by the fire at the R.D. Evans Community Center in western Fort Worth. The community center served as shelter over the weekend for those in need.
“A simple pair of Disney Minnie shoes made a real impact on the little girl who had to run away from the fire barefoot,” said Adolph Aguirre, executive director DFW Metro West. “Our volunteers were present and ready to take control and meet the needs of the apartment residents as they arrived at the shelter.”
Residents said they were awakened by neighbors banging on their doors yelling to get out. They said the smoke alarms never went off. Those impacted by home fires should call Red Cross at 800-733-2767.