L’Isle-Verte, January 23, 2014 – Red Cross volunteers are on-site in L’Isle-Verte to assist those affected by the intense fire that occurred overnight at the Résidence du Havre. “A team of six local volunteers was quickly mobilized to assist evacuees. They have been on-site since 3 a.m. immediately following the fire, at the Moisson d’Arts primary school,” reports Myrian Marotte, spokesperson for the Red Cross in Quebec.
Volunteers mainly offered comfort as those affected by the fire were evacuated, in accordance with the residence’s emergency plan, to local institutions equipped to accommodate them.
The Red Cross will remain in L’Isle-Verte as long as it is necessary to support local authorities in their response, and provide emergency assistance to evacuees as required. “So far, three people who had to be evacuated because of smoke from the fire are receiving Red Cross assistance,” added Ms. Marotte.
A hotline has been set up by the provincial police force, the Sûreté du Québec, to assist those affected by the fire as well as their friends and relatives: 1-800-659-4264.
About the Red Cross in Quebec
The Red Cross is an independent agency that operates as a volunteer humanitarian organization, and is the principal partner of the public authorities in providing services to those who have been affected by disasters. The Red Cross supports the local authorities and the Government of Quebec as required.
The Red Cross acts before, during and after a disaster to meet the needs of those affected. In Quebec, as it does everywhere else, the Red Cross develops prevention programs, helps communities prepare and, through the generosity of its donors, offers material and humanitarian support to those affected by disasters.