Rutkowski said that with a house fire occurring every 20 hours in Southern Nevada, fundraising is crucial. “You hate to see people come to us twice for that service, but I’m happy we were there.” “She was very appreciative,” Rutkowski said. Rutkowski recognized her at the scene of the fire.

Some people, Rutkowski said, have been affected more than once.Ī woman who lived in an apartment complex in northwest Las Vegas was among 40 people displaced March 27. It depends on the size of the family, the size of the house and what important items were left behind. Rutkowski said there’s no limit to the amount of money families can receive when a fire occurs. “So, for us, because of that commitment, we have a sense that we need to help these people.” “When we respond to a fire, it may be the most tragic event in that person’s life,” Aragon said. The Red Cross spent $202,507 to aid nearly 1,100 fire victims in Southern Nevada in 2016, and fire departments responded to 364 house fires, according to the Red Cross.Īngelo Aragon, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada, a union that represents about 1,850 firefighters statewide, said he’s optimistic the campaign can raise $350,000 this year. “The people will still see Red Cross volunteers as the debris and smoke start to settle.” “The main purpose is to show families that they’re not alone going through this,” said Frank Rutkowski, public information officer for the Red Cross in Nevada.

Red Cross Helps.” campaign is raising money to provide families with a place to stay, food and clothing. The Red Cross and the Professional Fire Fighters of Nevada have partnered for the fifth straight year to help families displaced by house fires. A three-alarm fire destroyed a northwest Las Vegas apartment building near Rainbow Boulevard and Washington Avenue in Las Vegas on Monday, March 27, 2017.

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