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Stafford fire chases 10 families
Stafford apartment fire displaces 10 families
BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE AND KEITH EPPS
Date published: 4/25/2007
BY AMY FLOWERS UMBLE AND KEITH EPPS
A fire left 10 southern Stafford County families homeless early yesterday morning.
The Rappahannock Area Red Cross is helping six of the families find places to stay after their garden apartments in England Run off U.S. 17 were damaged in a fire that was reported just before 1 a.m. yesterday.
The fire, which apparently started outside the building on Merlin Way, destroyed four apartments and damaged five others in the two-story structure, authorities said.
Lt. Kimberly Harper, spokeswoman for Stafford fire and rescue services, said damage is estimated at $1.5 million.
No one was injured in the blaze, which Harper said was caused by "improper disposal of smoking material."
Ralph Magnus, disaster action team captain with the local Red Cross, showed up at the scene at 2:45 a.m. to begin helping displaced families. Volunteer Diane Downing, who was scheduled to respond that night, called in the extra help because so many families were affected.
Magnus and Dowling helped the families find motels, food and clothes. Oth-ers evidently are staying with family and friends. The Red Cross gives disaster victims vouchers for shelter, restaurants and clothes.
The Red Cross typically helps out families for three nights, sometimes longer if necessary.
"Most people don't realize that we do this. It's amazing how many don't realize that there are people like Diane and I that go out in the middle of the night to go and take care of these people," Magnus said.
"People know that the Red Cross takes their blood, and they know the Red Cross will be there if there's a hurricane or a large disaster. They don't realize we do these things for single families."
Amy Flowers Umble: 540/735-1973
Email: aumble@freelancestar.com
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Never leave burning candles unattended.
Keep flammable items (paper, clothing, bedding) at least 3 feet from heat.
Be careful when disposing of ashes from grills, fireplaces and stoves.
Create a fire escape plan and practice your plan at least twice a year.
Install smoke alarms
and escape ladders.
Replace the batteries in your smoke alarms yearly.
Purchase and learn how to use fire extinguishers.
Visit redcross.org or call the Rappahannock Area Red Cross at 540/373-5176 for more details.
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Date published: 4/25/2007
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