LOGAN – The Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help with a growing number of emergency situations in Northern Utah.
Red Cross is usually thought of as blood collectors, but they do more than that. In 2025 the organization responded to 154 house fires and provided critical support to over 700 displaced people. That’s an average of about three home fires a week, leaving families in need of temporary shelter and recovery support.
Since 2020 Red Cross volunteers have responded to 1,008 home fires in Utah providing relief and recovery support. That’s an average of 168 home fire responses and 774 people helped each year.
The Red Cross sees a growing need for volunteers and is in the process of recruiting more
“Home fires are the most frequent disaster we respond to, and they leave families displaced and in urgent need of help,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “Thanks to the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our donors, we’re able to provide immediate relief and ongoing recovery assistance to families in crisis.”
Think of what the Red Cross volunteers do after a house fire. They provide families with emergency lodging, meals, clothing and financial assistance. Volunteers are trained to provide emotional support, assist with replacing essential medications and connect residents with community resources for temporary housing and other recovery needs.
Home fires are the most common disaster in the United States and often leave families with urgent needs.
Volunteers help prevent home fire tragedies by scheduling free smoke alarm installations through the Sound the Alarm campaign.
During home visits, Red Cross volunteers and community partners teach residents fire safety education, help with creating evacuation plans for all members of the household, including pets, and share prevention tips.
Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers responded to home fires across Utah, providing emergency assistance each year:
• 2020: 179 home fire responses, 971 people helped
• 2021: 173 home fire responses, 721 people helped
• 2022: 185 home fire responses, 799 people helped
• 2023: 158 home fire responses, 703 people helped
• 2024: 159 home fire responses, 727 people helped
• 2025: 154 home fire responses, 728 people helped
The American Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.