Red Cross Aids Two Families After Francis Street Fire

WARWICK, RI —The American Red Cross in Rhode Island is helping two families – two adults and three children – after a Francis Street fire early Friday.

According to Warwick Police, Warwick Firefighters responded to the call at 4:09 a.m. at 17 Francis St., finding a basement apartment on fire in the two-story building. The fire extended to the first floor of the building.

All residents of the building were evacuated from the building. One person was transported to the hospital for treatment, and was reported in stable condition, according to police.

Red Cross responders, including Sheri MacKenzie, David Zapatka and Katherine Daley, provided assistance to meet the families’ immediate needs. Red Cross volunteers distributed comfort kits containing personal care supplies such as toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo and other items a resident might need when suddenly displaced from their home by a fire, the Red Cross reported.

Additionally, the Red Cross provided a recovery envelope containing information helpful to families recovering from a fire, including tips on cleanup, notification of important contacts, handling damaged items and more, according to their report.

Red Cross noted caseworkers will connect with the families in coming days to develop a longer-term recovery plan.

“The Red Cross is able to provide assistance through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers,” according to the charity’s statement. To donate to their efforts, you can visit the American Red Cross in RI donation page.