The Lubbock Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled the cause of Tuesday’s apartment fire as undetermined, but that there is no reason to believe foul play was involved. As the displaced residents find a new place to call home, the Red Cross is stepping in to help them along the way.
The fire and heavy smoke destroyed eight units, displacing 18 residents, including college students, young families and children.
The Red Cross arrived in Lubbock Tuesday afternoon after returning from assisting families in Anton recovering from storm damage. While on site of the fire, Red Cross disaster relief members began assisting residents and providing counseling.
They say they will check with the residents several times over the course of the month to make sure everyone is doing well and see how other ways they can be helped.
“In a couple days we’ll catch up with them because right now, it’s the initial shock, sometimes we’ll refer them to our other organizations,” said Rob Leininger, Red Cross Senior Disaster Relief Program Manager. “We’ll usually talk to them three to four times to make sure they’re on the road to get back on their feet.”
Leininger says that as they continue to help these displaced residents that there are several ways community members can help as well.
“It’s as easy as donating $10 to redcross.org,” said Leininger. “You know Red Cross we work off nothing but contributions, that is our funding. Go to redcross.org, sign up to help out, and we’re always looking for volunteers too because we only have so many people. That’s what we have, the people to help other people.”
The Hunter’s Way Apartments complex is also taking donations in their leasing office, such as blankets, clothing, sheets, and basic toiletries like shampoo, toothpaste and soaps.
The complex is located at 5550 56th Street.
