RENO — At the request of the Reno Fire Department, the Northern Nevada Chapter of the the American Red Cross responded Thursday afternoon to a fire that broke out in a 10-unit apartment building on Malone Drive.

Four Red Cross disaster volunteers arrived at the scene shortly after 5 p.m. to assist the residents. Three apartment units were damaged by fire and smoke, and the remaining seven units were not inhabitable due to possible utility damage.

Seven affected families were provided with Red Cross client assistance cards, which can be used to purchase emergency food and other items. They were also provided with at least three nights of emergency lodging at a motel. The Red Cross will continue to work with these residents to assist them with their immediate needs.

“We anticipate we may still serve a few more affected families,” said Michael Hurick, chapter emergency services director. “We’re working with the fire department to make sure everyone is taken care of.”

On average in northern Nevada, the Red Cross responds to a home fire once every three days.

The Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Red Cross has helped people mobilize to help their neighbors since 1898. Last year, in addition to the support provided to the victims of the Fernley flood and Wells earthquake, the Red Cross provided emergency assistance and hope to more than 137 local families when they lost their homes due to home fires. Nearly 500 northern Nevada U.S. service members separated from their families by military duty received critical communications from their loved ones. Over 14,000 people were trained in lifesaving skills last year. The Red Cross is not a government agency, rather it relies on donations of time and money to do its work. For more information about volunteering, call 856-1000 or visit www.nevada.redcross.org.