KENDRA MAJORS

A family of seven whose house caught fire Tuesday night have been taken care of, Jane Thrash spokeswoman for the Red Cross said.

Around 7:26 p.m. Tuesday, Troy Fire Department responded to the fire, Troy Fire Chief Thomas Outlaw said.

Outlaw said it took about 10 minutes to bring the fire under control, but when firefighers got to the scene there were flames coming out.

Outlaw said they haven’t completely determined what the cause of the fire was, but feels certain that it was an iron or electric heater.

Thrash said the Red Cross put the mother and six children in a motel, but has now put the family in a home.

“We have taken care of them,” Thrash said. “They all have food and clothing.”

According to Thrash, the fire did not destroy the entire house, only one room.

“There is water and smoke damage in other parts of the house, but nothing that can’t be cleaned,” Thrash said.

The Red Cross has also made referrals to other agencies to help take care of her appliances and has made arrangements for counseling for the children.

Thrash said this is no more than a normal case for the Red Cross.

“We do the same if it’s one person or 12,” she said.

Monetary donations can be made to the Red Cross to help replenish its fund.

Since Dec. 12, the Red Cross has helped 37 individuals affected by 12 fires.

Outlaw said he was glad there are places like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.