Lessons From Garden Grove Fire

The fast-moving fire that claimed the life of a young mother and her baby son at an apartment complex in Garden Grove on June 18 also left about 150 people homeless. The quick response by the community to help these people through a traumatic time was exemplary.

The fire proved a reminder of how sprinklers could have helped even when a building was up to current code, and how the spread of fire might be contained by closing doors.

It took 65 firefighters an hour to contain a blaze that spread quickly, undeterred by either sprinklers or closed doors. Investigators suspected the fire started on the gas stove in one of the apartments. Many residents were injured while jumping from their apartments to the ground.

Finding places for so many displaced people posed a big challenge. But the American Red Cross’ Disaster Action Team was on the scene very quickly.

The call came in to the coordinator at 8:45 p.m. and by 11 p.m. the team was working with the principal of Bolsa Grande High School to open the gym as a shelter.

School personnel were a help in setting things up, and by 11:30 p.m. food was delivered to the shelter. By midnight, cots, blankets and medical assistance were available. Nurses and counselors provided physical and psychological assistance for the traumatized.

Other residents were put up in a local mosque, or with friends or family.

Much of the assistance is possible because of advance work by the Red Cross. The chapter makes agreements with schools, and establishes a voucher program with food vendors, stores, hotels, motels and restaurants to provide other necessities.

Beyond the challenge of meeting the short-term needs of residents, many will require help getting back on their feet for the long term.

The housing complex is one where many say they live from paycheck to paycheck. Even the cost of cremation and a memorial were an immediate problem facing the grandmother who lost her daughter and 2-year-old grandson in the blaze. Donations were being accepted by the Red Cross, P.O. Box 11364, Santa Ana, CA 92711-1364.

The Red Cross’s disaster team proved once again in the Garden Grove fire that it lives up to its motto: “First to respond when help can’t wait.”

Orange County is fortunate to have such a dedicated team looking ahead to a time when assistance is needed so urgently.