Fire damages Durham apartment complex pushing Red Cross resources
DURHAM (WTVD) -- The Red Cross is helping families displaced by an apartment fire that happened Friday afternoon in Durham.
The fire burned through the roof of six to eight apartments on in the 1700 block of East Cornwallis Road.
It's been a busy week for the Red Cross, and it's taking a toll on the agency's resources.
Fierce flames and plumes of smoke rose from the Spring Ridge Apartments. Amid the calamity, the Red Cross responded.
"We had 14 volunteers from the community show up to make a difference for those folks," said the Executive Director of the Central North Carolina Red Cross, Stan Morris.
Friday's fire comes less than 24 hours after a small tornado touched down in southwest Durham. It severely damaged homes, displaced people, and left thousands of those able to stay without electricity.
"That was a response where there were trees, and trees on houses -- trying to make sure that people were safe," said Morris.
Wednesday, a huge third-floor apartment fire in Morrisville affected 22 units. During that fire, the Red Cross aided 48 adults and children.
"It's usually and always will include housing, food, clothing and shelter if they need it," said Morris.
In the last five days, an army of Red Cross volunteers have swarmed a total of 19 incidents in the area. Over 100 people were impacted.
"It's a busy week," said Morris. "Every day we're responding on average to three fires or three events. So that's every eight hours."
While Morris says they've endured this week's large workload, he says the agency can always use help in the form of extra volunteers and monetary donations.
"We really appreciate it," said Morris. "We can really use it when there's this significant amount of activity."
