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The fire started because of someone smoking on the fourth floor.
By Michael R. Schwartz –
The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Team based in Buffalo, New York, responded to a three–alarm residential fire at 505 Elmwood Avenue in the City on June 26.
Deputy Fire Commissioner Jonathan Eaton reported the fire started in one of the apartments on the fourth floor, where someone was smoking. The fire and smoke caused about $500,000 in damage.
The Salvation Army provided canteen and hydration services to approximately 120 firefighters involved in fighting the large fire at the 12-story Elmwood Square Apartment Complex. The Salvation Army also provided water, snacks, blankets and emotional and spiritual care to over 100 displaced residents.
“We are grateful to the Buffalo Area Command and the selfless service of their EDS volunteers. It is awe inspiring to see the dedication and service above self exhibited by this team of volunteers in Buffalo. It is truly a blessing to the Greater Buffalo Area when you realize that these services are provided only through donated resources from the community as our disaster relief does not receive any funding or reimbursement from any level of government in New York State,” said Michael R. Schwartz, Divisional Disaster Director of the Empire State Division.
“Whether it is a cup of coffee, a blanket for a resident who ran out of danger in their pajamas or simply a comforting word, our EDS Team is there, never searching out the limelight, just to be a helping hand in a time of crisis.”
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