Red Cross disaster volunteers help Montana families following home fires

The following is a release from the Red Cross of Montana:

MISSOULA, MT – Red Cross of Montana volunteers continue helping communities during local emergencies, big and small. This included home and multifamily fires in Billings, Wolf Point, Helena, Great Falls and Missoula.

So far in 2025, Red Cross responded to 75 fires across the state and helped meet immediate needs like food and shelter for 229 people. Disaster response teams work with a network of partners including fire departments and community groups to connect people with the resources and support they need.

“Our volunteers are the heart of this work — responding to emergencies, installing smoke alarms and helping families stay safe,” said Hannah Zuraff, executive director for the Red Cross Montana. “We’re calling on families to take simple but powerful steps: test your smoke alarms and review your home fire escape plan. This could save a life.”

Red Cross of Montana encourages the public to practice these safety tips and help protect families this summer:

HOME FIRE SAFETY TIPS

• Test smoke alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of the home, including the basement and in or near sleeping areas. Test alarms monthly and replace batteries as needed. Replace smoke alarms older than 10 years.
• Practice your escape plan: Take time to discuss fire safety with your household. Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm and teach them what to do when they hear it when you practice your escape plan.
• Avoid matches: Teach your children to tell you or a responsible adult when they find matches or lighters at home or school. Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of reach of children.

HELP AVAILABLE

Following a home fire, Red Cross of Montana volunteers help meet families’ most immediate needs, including food, clothing and shelter. Red Cross teams also connect families with mental health support, spiritual care and help replace medications and medical equipment.  These services are free and available to all. To seek assistance after a disaster like a home fire, please call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Red Cross volunteers respond to hundreds of disasters in communities big and small across Montana each year. To learn more about becoming a Red Cross disaster volunteer and providing help and hope in your community, visit redcross.org/volunteer or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767). Training is provided.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or facebook.com/montana or call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767.