CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Volunteers from the local chapter of the American Red Cross are assisting the families affected by a weekend fire at Cumberland Chateau Apartments on Mayhew Rd. in Montgomery County.
The fire occurred Sunday, September 17 and displaced the occupants of one building in the complex, according to the Red Cross. Two other buildings were also affected.
Montgomery County Fire Chief and EMA Director Ed Baggett said when the call came in at 6:45 a.m., some people, including children, were still inside the burning building, but got out with help from other residents.
Eight apartments were destroyed, but no one was injured. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Firefighters from all county volunteer stations and a group of firefighters from the city helped at the scene.
Together, 17 Red Cross volunteers and multiple community partners helped the affected families and supported the firefighters and first responders from both the county and city.
“Red Cross volunteers are providing for the immediate needs of the clients and will be there with them through their recovery,” Executive Director Katy Hagstrom said.
“I’m thankful that everyone was okay and I hate that the residents lost all of their belongings in the fire. I’m sure they’d appreciate any help to get back on their feet,” Baggett said. “The support our County volunteer firefighters received from each other, City firefighters, some who also serve as County volunteer firefighters, our EMS, the local Red Cross and the residents in the area was outstanding.”
Hagstrom said anyone who would like to help those affected by home fires can donate to the American Red Cross at Redcross.org, by calling 1-800-Redcross or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.