Tulsa's Red Cross Running Low On Money

News On 6

TULSA, OK -- Red Cross representatives say meth labs are to blame for a double-digit increase in Tulsa house fires this year.

Officials say they're running low on money because of the help they've been providing to fire victims.

They're holding a special fundraiser through noon on Wednesday.

The organization is using the Royal Arms Apartments fire in early March as an example of how busy they've been.

That fire was started by a meth lab and it took more than 60 firefighters to put it out. 

3/10/2009  Related Story: Meth Lab May Have Caused Tulsa Fire

The Red Cross provided temporary shelter, food and medical assistance to displaced families.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people don't give when they hear the word meth fire, but they forget that the Red Cross is there helping 10, 12, maybe 15 other families that were affected by that same fire. They weren't guilty of anything and they're still suffering and the Red Cross has to be there to help them," said Nellie Kelly, American Red Cross.

The Red Cross hopes to raise $1,500 which would be matched by MidFirst Bank.

Donations are being accepted at the Red Cross building located at 10151 East 11th Street in Tulsa.