Red Cross Continues to Help Seniors Affected by Carmel Fire

The massive Monday morning fire that destroyed a senior complex in Carmel affected 32 residents, and the Red Cross is continuing to work with them to make sure their needs are met.

The fire at Hughson Commons took the combined efforts of every fire department in eastern Putnam County and some from farther away.

Red Cross was on the scene in the early morning hours responding to the victims of the fire. In total, 28 units were affected, said spokeswoman Abigail Adams.

The Red Cross opened a reception center providing a warm safe haven while next steps in the recovery process were identified. The Putnam County Office of Emergency Management were fantastic in opening their doors, she said.

Red Cross brought trained case workers and mental health professionals to work with the seniors. We worked to meet their immediate emergency needs. We registered all 32 seniors providing support including food, clothing and replacement of medication and provided emergency housing for 11, Adams said.

One firefighter was treated at Putnam County Hospital for smoke inhalation, the Putnam County Courier reported.

Image by Steve Keck via Kempter's Fire Wire