Red Cross kept fire crews fueled up during Millcreek apartment fire
Jul 29, 2025, 2:00 PM | Updated: 2:14 pm
Two apartment buildings were affected by a fire on Friday, June 25, 2025. The American Red Cross of Utah has been busy in Millcreek, assisting not only the people who lost homes but also the firefighters who battled the flames.(Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)
(Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The American Red Cross of Utah has been busy in Millcreek, assisting not only the people who lost homes but also the firefighters who battled the flames.
On July 25, a fast-moving fire consumed two buildings at the Willow Glen Apartments, displacing 79 people.
Firefighters work on flames burning in a field in the Holladay area on Friday, July 25, 2025. (Scott G. Winterton/Deseret News)
On the day of the fire crews worked many hours in extreme heat, and the Red Cross was on hand to support them. In addition to assisting evacuees, volunteers provided first responders with canteen services which include meals, cold drinks and a chance to recharge between shifts.
“The fire crews and the police crews worked such long hours and so hard, and it’s a privilege to be able to make sure that they’re taken care of as well while they’re out in the field,” said Jennifer de Tapia, mass care lead for the American Red Cross of Utah.
It’s a quieter part of the fire response, but one that helps keep operations running while the focus remains on safety and containment de Tapia said.
Firefighters step throungh a fence as they and police respond to a large fire in the Holladay area on Friday, July 25, 2025. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News)
For de Tapia, it is part of the job that she is really proud of.
“It’s a special place to get to be,” she said. “It’s also super stressful. I’m not going to lie … but if you’re a compassionate person, there are a lot of places for you to provide an impact.
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