By Shavonne Potts
Salisbury Post
SPENCER ó The Elizabeth Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross is accepting donations for families who lost their homes and belongings when fire heavily damaged numerous units at the Rock Haven Apartments on Saturday.
The fire started in the kitchen of one unit and quickly spread to at least six others, authorities said.
The families, many of whom lost everything, were placed in local hotels by the Red Cross for a couple of nights, but now have to find lodging on their own.
The Red Cross was only able to put the families in a hotel for two nights. The Red Cross provides for temporary shelter for many families displaced because of disasters, but funding limits what the agency is able to do.
“The reality is, all of the money comes from the people in the community,” said Deborah Lineberger, director of emergency services for the local Red Cross.
The Red Cross also provides a small amount of money to the families for food and clothing.
The fire occurred Saturday night at 221 N. Salisbury Ave. Fire officials believe it started in the kitchen exhaust system at apartment No. 4. Several people, including firefighters and a police officer, were treated for smoke inhalation. No major injuries were reported.
Lineberger said some of the families who lived there did not have renter’s insurance and will need help replacing lost items.
Anyone who would like to help the families can contact the Red Cross at 704-633-3854.
Contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253 or spotts@salisburypost.com.