Haines fire displaces three families
Tape blocks off the remains of an apartment that was gutted after it caught fire last week. Photo courtesy Lt. Kevin Woods
A fire ripped through an apartment last week in Haines, Ak. displacing several families and sending The Corps officers in Haines into action. According to Haines Salvation Army Officer Lieutenant Kevin Woods there was a need to ensure the affected residents were taken care of.
LT. Woods said the fire completely gutted one apartment and did damage to two other units. He said everyone got out safely but because of water and smoke damage they were not able to return to their residence.
“We were just sitting down to a late dinner,” said Lt. Woods, “when we heard the city's fire alarm. Within five minutes we had a call letting us know where the fire was.” Lt. Woods said once they were on scene they talked with the fire department and were put in contact with the three families that needed assistance.
Lt. Woods began by securing lodging at a nearby motel and supplying grocery store gift cards so the families could get food. Lt. Woods said they secured shelter through the weekend and into the first part of next week.
In all 11 people were displaced by the fire. A husband and wife, a family of three and a family of six.
“My main concern,” said Lt. Woods, “was helping comfort the individuals who had just experienced this traumatic event.”
He said that The Salvation Army is going to do everything they can to help those affected by last week’s fire. “We have given them clothing and bedding and hygiene products that we had on hand here at the Corps. We have met with each family and actually had a time to pray with each of them, on their request.”
Lt. Woods marvels at the resilience of the residents affected by the fire and the strength of God’s love. “One of the families even asked us if we can come by and pick him up for church on Sunday, even in times of trouble His light shines through.”
The Salvation Army is working with The Red Cross to help those displaced get through these troubling and tough times.