WILMINGTON, DE – April 13, 2006 – Red Cross Disaster Action Team members are currently on the scene of a major apartment fire at The Devon in Wilmington. The Red Cross responded within an hour of the fire, which started around 1:45pm towards the top of the high-rise building on Pennsylvania Avenue. All residents have been evacuated from the building. It is estimated that 150 residents are currently being attended to by Red Cross workers who are in the process of setting up stations to cope with the food and beverage needs of those affected.

The American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula anticipates assisting the affected families further with food, clothing and temporary accommodation, as their needs emerge. The Red Cross will also provide mental health services, in addition to information on the steps the families should take to cope with the disaster and begin to plan their recovery.