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Harrisburg family loses home in fire

HARRISBURG – After a late Thursday morning fire destroyed their home, a Harrisburg family is receiving help from the American Red Cross.

With help from the Red Cross the two adults and four children displaced by the home have a place to stay for now.

At about 10 a.m., Harrisburg Fire Department received a report of a house on fire at 116 McHaney St. in Harrisburg.

The fire reportedly started in the upstairs of the home, according to Fire Chief John Gunning. It remains under investigation, he said.

In response to the report of damage to the home, Red Cross volunteers responded to ensure the family has a safe place to stay, food, clothing and emotional support, according to a Red Cross statement.

In the meantime, those wishing to help the family may call Michelle Duvall at (618) 499-3064 to get clothing sizes or suggestions for other assistance.

In the American Red Cross Serving South Central Illinois area annually on average, more than 400 families receive assistance after a disaster threatens to destroy their lives. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, the American Red Cross serving South Central Illinois assisted 427 families after a disaster.

Red Cross volunteers on the scene were members of the local Disaster Action Team, a group of specially trained volunteers who respond to the scene of a disaster when called upon at any time of the day or night.

The Red Cross recommends two easy steps to help protect your home and loved ones from a fire: get a smoke alarm and create a fire escape plan. For more Red Cross fire safety and preparedness information visit soundthealarm.org

To make a financial donation to the Red Cross to help people affected by house fires and other disasters here in the United States and around the world, people can visit redcross.org/csil, call (844) 319-6560 or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 (to make a $10 donation).