Fire Hurts. Red Cross Helps

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

As wildfire season approaches, the Red Cross and Salt Lake City Fire Department are raising money to help serve families who will need shelter and services.

"When we're at a fire ... it's such a relief to see that red-and-white van pull up and people start documenting victims who need medication, food, all of that," said Deputy Fire Chief Brian Dale. "We don't have the resources to both fight the fire and support victims."

The Red Cross hopes to raise $100,000 in its "Fire Hurts. Red Cross Helps" campaign, which kicked off Thursday.

In addition to helping fire victims, the Red Cross of Utah is preparing to canvass neighborhoods in late June with fire prevention information, said Page Neal, who oversees preparedness measures.

The materials include recommendations for cooking safely, wildfire prevention, smoke alarm maintenance and emergency kits, Neal said.

To donate to the campaign, call 801-323-7000 or mail a donation to 555 East 300 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84102.