An apartment fire in Glendale has left 20 people without a place to call home during the holiday season, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. The blaze, which occurred near 80th and Glendale avenues on December 8, ravaged the south side of the building. Sadly, a resident's dog was killed, and four others were rescued. The fire's origin remains under investigation.
Rural Metro Fire has confirmed that 20 adults and children are now forced to find alternative lodging quickly. Emergency crews managed to prevent the fire from engulfing the entire building while residents were evacuated. Michael Young of the Red Cross was on the scene to assist and told FOX 10 Phoenix, "What we do when we get on the scene is we provide them with financial support and emotional comfort so they can get off the street." The fire not only took a toll on belongings and accommodations but also affected those with medical needs, evidenced by a resident's son who was reliant on oxygen tanks that were destroyed.
In a statement obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix, Lisa Turner, a unit resident, expressed the shock's magnitude, "This is overwhelming because you don't know what you're gonna do, what the next step is or what is gonna come next." Her challenges have been compounded by personal losses, which include her role as a caregiver and the tragedy of losing a family pet. The Red Cross stepped in promptly to help Turner and others in the fire's immediate aftermath.
According to a 12 News report, first responders from Phoenix, Glendale, and Sun City were dispatched to the scene to assist Rural Metro with the fire. Young, reflecting on the importance of the Red Cross's role, shared with FOX 10 Phoenix, "All of us are volunteers. I've been a volunteer for 10 years. Every case is unique and the one thing that's constant with all of them is that you're helping somebody, and they very much value that."
Those willing to offer support to the victims of the fire can find donation information via the link provided in the FOX 10 Phoenix article.
