Two Horrific Fires Displaced More Than 125 People in Central New Jersey

American Red Cross Responds

Julie Daigle / American Red Cross

On Sunday evening, December 19th, there was a devastating fire in Perth Amboy which raged in Harbortown Terrace destroying nearly all 32 units in Building 15.

Residents were forced out into the cold with only the clothes on their backs, several jumping off balconies to escape the flames. In the end, 101 individuals, including 38 children, were left without a home less than a week before the Christmas holiday.

At the same time, a fire at the Maple Terrace Apartments in Maple Shade forced residents out into the cold. Twenty seven individuals, including 4 children, were left with nowhere to go on a cold December evening.

How frightening it must have been to flee from your home with no idea of where to go or if you would ever be allowed to return.

Thankfully, American Red Cross volunteers were on the scene at both fires, providing comfort and support as they helped people with their immediate needs such as shelter, groceries, clothing, diapers and formula. Red Cross volunteers from several area chapters worked with these families, provided emotional support and comfort to the victims affected by the fires.

Local Red Cross Chapters are committed to meeting the humanitarian needs of the communities they serve, be it in disaster relief, disaster preparedness, first aid and CPR training, or disease prevention. You can help support your local chapter programs and services through a gift to your local Red Cross chapter. To donate online, CLICK HERE.