Aiken, S.C., September 22, 2025
News Summary
The American Red Cross is providing support to four families impacted by a fire at Market Street Station Apartments in Aiken, S.C. Along with financial aid covering immediate needs like food and shelter, the organization emphasizes fire safety and preparedness. Previous events, such as a deadly car crash and another house fire in Jackson, further highlight the ongoing challenges communities face regarding safety. The Red Cross encourages proactive measures to prevent fires and continues to assist those in need through various services.
Aiken, S.C. – The American Red Cross is providing assistance to four families affected by a fire in the Market Street Station Apartments on Calderwood Drive. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, damaging the homes of seven individuals. The Red Cross is offering financial aid to cover immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. In addition to this assistance, the organization is referring families to other necessary resources in the area.
On the night before the fire, North Augusta Public Safety responded to a deadly single-vehicle crash. Susan Everitt, the CEO of the Red Cross of South Carolina, expressed empathy for those affected and reiterated the commitment of the Red Cross to support the families in need. She highlighted the importance of fire preparedness, underscoring the necessity for households to practice home fire safety plans.
The Red Cross provides additional services, including mental and spiritual care for individuals affected by disasters. The organization plans to keep communication open with partners to evaluate any further assistance those impacted may require.
In a related incident, a man from Jackson, S.C., named Charlie Harman, has been receiving support from the Red Cross after his house caught fire on Christmas Eve. The Jackson Fire Department was unable to control the flames, resulting in significant losses for Harman and his family, including essential medications and monitoring equipment due to serious medical issues. While the Red Cross is in contact with the family, assistance for them is pending until a thorough investigation is completed. A GoFundMe fundraiser for Harman’s recovery has also been established, raising about $775 of a $3,000 goal within just 16 hours.
In addition to the assistance provided to families from the Market Street Station Apartments, the American Red Cross is also supporting three additional families from Aiken, Barnwell, and Edgefield counties due to separate house fires. Overall, the organization is assisting a total of eight people with financial support as a result of recent fire incidents.
On the same day as the fire, a tornado warning was issued for Screven County, highlighting the prevalence of natural disasters and emergencies in the area. Nationwide, home fires result in an average of seven lives lost daily, making them the most frequent disaster faced by communities. The Red Cross advises families to test smoke alarms monthly and regularly practice their fire escape plans. The organization recommends households review and discuss their fire escape plans at least twice a year.
In response to the ongoing issue of home fire safety, volunteers and community partners engage with at-risk communities through “Sound the Alarm” events. These initiatives aim to promote fire safety awareness and offer free smoke alarm installations as part of a larger effort to equip families with the tools needed for fire prevention.
FAQ
1. What assistance is the American Red Cross providing to families affected by the fire?
The American Red Cross is providing financial aid for immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter to four families impacted by the fire.
2. How many people are affected by the recent fire incidents in Aiken County?
The Red Cross is assisting a total of eight people through financial support due to multiple fire incidents.
3. What was the cause of Charlie Harman’s house fire?
Charlie Harman’s house caught fire on Christmas Eve, and the Jackson Fire Department was unable to control the flames.
4. What is the average number of lives lost daily due to home fires nationwide?
Nationwide, home fires result in an average of seven lives lost daily, ranking as the most frequent disaster.
5. What safety measures does the Red Cross recommend for fire preparedness?
The Red Cross encourages families to test smoke alarms monthly and regularly practice their fire escape plans.
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Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Market Street Station Apartments, Calderwood Drive, Aiken, S.C. |
| Date of Incident | Sunday |
| Total People Assisting | Eight people affected by fires |
| Support Provided | Financial aid for food, clothing, and shelter |
| Additional Services | Mental and spiritual care assistance |
| Related Incident | Charlie Harman’s house fire on Christmas Eve |
| Fire Safety Recommendations | Test smoke alarms monthly, practice fire escape plans |
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Red Cross Assisting Families After Apartment Fire
- Wikipedia: Aiken, South Carolina
- WRDW: Crews Battle House Fire
- Google Search: Aiken County Fires
- NBC News: South Carolina Fires State Emergency
- Google Scholar: Aiken County Fire Safety
- Augusta Chronicle: Fundraiser for Aiken County Fire Victim
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Prevention
- WRDW: Red Cross Helping Families After Home Fire
- Google News: Fire Safety Measures
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
