More Expected Overnight as Residents from Two Apartment Buildings are Accommodated

Wilmington, DE – May 30, 2006 – Sixty residents of Crestview Apartments, struck by a massive fire earlier this morning, are currently at a Red Cross disaster shelter at the Police Athletic League (PAL) Center, and more are expected overnight. The residents of the N. Market Street apartments in downtown Wilmington are being helped by more than a dozen Red Cross staff and volunteers, many of whom who have been on site since 9:30am this morning. The Red Cross team is also providing beverages, snacks and meals to residents and emergency personnel, including up to 95 fire fighters who are still on the scene of the fire as at 5:00pm.

Residents of a nearby apartment complex, Compton Towers were also assisted by the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula overnight last night due to a water emergency affecting their apartments. The Red Cross provided the apartment management with cots for the displaced residents, many of whom will join the Crestview Apartment residents tonight at the PAL Center shelter. The American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula continues to work alongside local community partners to assist those left homeless.

Due to the public emergency, the PAL of Wilmington is canceling normal operations until further notice, including all youth activities.