Winter months mean furnaces, heaters, candles and fireplaces, which can sometimes lead to unexpected disasters – house fires.

So far this month, Great Falls Fire Rescue has responded to one house fire in Black Eagle, after seven in November.

The total for 2025 so far is 38 structure fires in Great Falls.

That’s on par with last year, when GFFR responded to six in November and seven in December, for a total of 41 structure fires, according to their data.

When such a disaster strikes, the local American Red Cross works to provide for the individual or family’s immediate needs. They respond to natural disasters, support military families and house fires.

GFFR responds to recent fires, numbers on par with last year

Matt Ochsner, regional communications director for the American Red Cross of Idaho, Montana and East Oregon, said they work with local fire departments for notification of house fires and their goal is to be in contact with the residents within two hours of a fire.

That might be on scene or by phone depending on the situation.

Ochsner said the Red Cross will work with those who’ve experienced a house fire to provide for their immediate needs, such as finding shelter, food, clothing and replacing medication.

That can come through financial assistance, with the amount varying depending on the size of the family and each situation, he said. That funding can be used to replace needed items, cover deposits for a new place to live, transportation, work boots, or whatever is immediately needed to get a family or individual back on their feet.

GFFR responds to two grass fires

The Red Cross assistance exists to help someone “start that road to recovery and be a shoulder to lean on to let them know they’re not alone,” Ochsner said, coupled with follow up calls to see what else Red Cross can provide or connect someone with resources to fill gaps.

From Jan. 1 to Dec. 1, 2025, the Red Cross responded to 143 fires across Montana, helping 436 people.

In Cascade County, the agency responded to 18 fires, helping 55 people.

For the most part, Ochsner said they like to be in contact with anyone who’s experienced a house fire and make decisions from there, so they work with fire departments statewide.

GFFR responds to two fires this week, bringing year’s total to 29

They respond to all types of housing type fires, ranging from single family houses to apartment complexes.

The Red Cross also works with hotels that will give families in disaster a cheaper rate for emergency shelter.

The Red Cross also has volunteers who are licensed counselors to provide disaster mental health services and medical volunteers who assist with replacing medication, eye glasses, canes, and more.

They also have spiritual care volunteers who help replace any spiritual items that may have been lost in the fire.

The Red Cross provides a care kit with basic toiletries and connect someone experiencing a house fire with other community resources as needed.

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Ochsner said that 90 percent of the Red Cross’ workforce is made up of volunteers, including about 400 across Montana who provided about 36,000 hours of service last year.

“Everything we do is because of volunteers,” Ochsner said.

After a fire, the Red Cross also works with individuals or families to be more prepared and prevent future disasters by installing smoke detectors and helping with escape plans.

Typically, you have about two minutes to get out of a burning residence, Ochsner said, and it’s helpful to prepare and know what you’ll need to take with you quickly and safely.

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The Red Cross is always looking for volunteers for all kinds of services and some tasks can be done from home.

The agency also operates largely on donations with 90 cents of every dollar going to delivering services, Ochsner said.

To donate, volunteer or learn more, go to RedCross.org/Montana or call 1-800-Red-Cross.