PITTSBURGH —
The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania said Tuesday that an emergency shelter will be open to residents displaced due to a massive fire that broke out at an apartment complex in Squirrel Hill.
Nicole Roschella, communications director with the Red Cross, said the shelter will be located at the Greenfield Recreation Center, located at 745 Greenfield Avenue, for residents to stay overnight.
VIDEO ABOVE: Residents in disbelief after fire destroys Pittsburgh apartment
Residents will be taken from the current evacuation center located along Forward Avenue to the shelter via a Pittsburgh Transit bus.
"We're kind of in a holding pattern," Roschella told Pittsburgh's Action News 4. "We kind of have to wait to see what the fire department says, when people can get back into their homes. In the meantime, the Red Cross is here to provide a place for people to feel comfortable during this difficult time."
The Red Cross said residents do not need to stay at the shelter to receive aid from the organization. All assistance is free for those impacted.
"It's really been a group effort," Roschella said. "We're thankful for everyone who's here to help these neighbors."
Roschella said the City of Pittsburgh, along with local businesses, have donated food and water to help residents who are in need of a place to stay following the incident.
This comes after a massive fire heavily damaged the Jefferson Apartments located along Forward Avenue.
Fire officials were on the scene for hours working to put out heavy smoke and flames that broke out just after 8 a.m. Tuesday.
Pittsburgh Public Information Officer Cara Cruz told Pittsburgh's Action News 4 that roughly 30 people were evacuated and that no injuries were reported.
The Red Cross said they do not have a firm number of how many people plan to stay at the organized shelter.
Residents who live nearby told Pittsburgh's Action News 4 that it's important for the community to help those displaced due to the fire.
"I just hope the community of Squirrel Hill rises up here and helps these folks out," nearby resident Angela Hooper said. "It's our responsibility to help the community so I hope everyone joins in on that."
For more information, visit the Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania's website here.
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