BYRON, Minn. (KTTC) -- Red Cross volunteers are often unsung heroes. On average, they're called to the scene of a fire five times a week.
Their latest deployment was to assist nearly two dozen people displaced by a fire at Valley View Apartments in Byron. It happened around 2:00 a.m. Saturday and the fire quickly spread through the 8-unit complex.
No one was hurt and two of three missing cats were found alive.
The Red Cross has been busy helping to pick up the pieces. Some volunteers say they give back after being in a disaster themselves.
Ex. Director of the Southeast Minnesota Chapter of the American Red Cross, Melanie Tschida says, "When people need us we're there. Before they even know what questions to ask we have checklists and we have experience and can say have you done this and have you thought of this. Our volunteers are very good at listening and kind of acknowledging where people are and gently kind of helping people move down the path of don't forget to call the school or don't forget to call your boss."
The manager of Valley View tells us that a total of 22 people were displaced in the fire.
Here's how you can help. A fund has been set up to help the fire victims... at First Security Bank in Byron. Mark donations for "Valley View Fire Relief."
The Red Cross also accepts monetary donations which they use to help victims. For more information on how to help the Red Cross of Southeastern Minnesota click here.
