N. Charleston fire displaces family

A fire at a North Charleston apartment building Monday was quickly brought under control, authorities said.

Shortly after noon, firefighters were called to an apartment on Sumner Avenue, said Bianca Sancic, spokeswoman for the North Charleston Fire Department. A fire in the attic was quickly extinguished, she said. The fire originated in an air-handling unit in the attic. It was declared under control by 12:15 p.m.

A family of four, two of them children, was displaced, Sancic said. Volunteers from the American Red Cross Carolina Lowcountry Chapter were called to the scene.

The Red Cross provided temporary lodging in a motel, financial assistance to replace clothing and food lost in the fire, and comfort kits containing personal necessities such as toothbrushes, combs and the like. Toys were given to the children.

On Sunday, fire destroyed the home of a Green Pond family of four, according to a Red Cross news release. The agency also assisted that family, bringing to 301 the number of individual fire victims assisted by the Red Cross so far this year.

You can donate money to help the Red Cross assist families impacted by residential fires by calling 843-764-2323, Ext. 368, or by going to www. LowcountryRedCross.org.