Red Cross Helping Families Displaced by Fatal Mount Vernon Fire

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Families displaced by Saturday's fatal fire in Mount Vernon are being assisted by the Red Cross. An elderly man died. The blaze started Saturday evening in a four-story apartment building on South Columbus Avenue.

Forty residents were evacuated as firefighters fought the blaze. The Red Cross set up a temporary reception area, with blankets, snacks and compassionate volunteers, in the building's rec room. It had not been affected by the fire, said Red Cross spokeswoman Carolyn Sherwin.

In the aftermath, five families were unable to go back to their apartments. The Red Cross helped the eight adults and nine children with personal items and funds for emergency housing. Today a team of case workers is following up with the families to help meet their ongoing needs.

Mount Vernon Fire Chief Al Everette told the media that a body was found near the front door of the apartment. Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas said the victim appeared to be a man in his early 70s.

PHOTOS/ Eli Russ. courtesy Red Cross Metro New York North