Red Cross resources taxed, teams respond to nearly two dozen fires since Christmas Eve

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The resources of the American Red Cross in Wisconsin are being taxed heavily as 2014 comes to an end.

The Red Cross tweeted on Wednesday, December 31st that its statewide disaster teams have responded to 21 fires and comforted 76 people since Christmas Eve.

Responses have included seven in 24 hours including Green Bay, Markesan, Wausaukee and four in Milwaukee.

Red Cross responders meet with each family to discuss emergency needs such as a food, shelter, clothing, health needs and emotional support along with a recovery plan.

There were two fires in Milwaukee early on New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31st. One of those is being investigated as possible arson.

Firefighters not only had to battle flames at 49th and North and Richards and Keefe, but also, the bitter cold.

"Very extreme conditions -- very difficult conditions," Battalion Chief David Votsis said.

The two fires occurred one after the other.

"Holidays are always a tougher time to go through a trauma like this. You start having these thoughts of 'how I`m going to move forward?'" Red Cross Regional CEO Patty Flowers said.

The Red Cross of Southeastern Wisconsin has helped with fire, after fire, after fire since December -- and it's only the beginning of their busiest time of the year.

"There`s a lot of people all of a sudden.  That`s what`s unusual right now. It's a constant need. We're constantly filling our closets back up. When you get a call three times in the night for three different fires, of course that's tiring for our volunteers -- but this is what we do," Flowers said.

The number of home fires increases during cold, winter months. To prevent fires, the Red Cross recommends following home fire safety tips.

"The number one thing for people going through these fires is just be prepared. Have smoke alarms," Flowers said.

Fire safety tips, as well as numerous other resources, are also available on the free Red Cross First Aid App.

There are several ways in which you can help ease the Red Cross' financial burden -- and help the organization accomplish its mission in the new year. They include the following: