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The local American Red Cross assistance of families affected blaze that ravished seven structures in Ocean Grove’s northeastern neighborhood came on the heels of aid given to families in northern New Jersey, officials said.

“In the past two days, we have seen large fires impact the New Jersey communities of Ocean Grove and Passaic,” CEO Ana Montero said. “Our thoughts are with the families affected by these devastating fires. Compassionate Red Cross volunteers continue to assist the families and will remain available for support, counseling and referrals to local agencies to help families with long-term assistance during their recovery.”

During Friday morning’s fire, the Red Cross Disaster Action Team worked with the Neptune Township Police department and other local organizations to offer the dozens displaced by the five-alarm fire.

A center was immediately opened at Saint Paul’s Parish, located at 80 Embury Street, offering a warm place for fire victims and those evacuated as precaution to congregate as they awaited updates, according to a written statement. Meals were donated by Saint Paul’s Parish, Ocean Grove Fire Department and The Tides restaurant. Red Cross’ health, mental health and spiritual care services were also on site at the reception center.

In total emergency assistance for food, clothing and other immediate needs were given to 23 people in 16 families, officials said. Neptune Township officials have estimated up to 40 families may have been affected.

In the Thursday night Passaic blaze at an apartment building on Gregory Avenue, Red Cross volunteers met with 46 families and offered food and clothing assistance to more than 150 people.  

The local Red Cross provides programs and services to 8.8 million throughout New Jersey. They train and mobilize over 5,300 volunteers.

Last year, the Red Cross responded to more than 760 local disasters, mostly home fires, officials said. They helped more than 1,800 displaced families; collected more than 89,100 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; helped more than 3,500 military families with emergency messages; and trained more than 116,100 individuals with life-saving skills in preparedness, CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics.

For more information, visit redcross.org/NJ or via Twitter @NJRedCross. To make donations to its Disaster Relief initiatives, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

[photo courtesy of the Neptune Township Police Department]

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