Red Cross Disaster Services Began in 1881

Red Cross Disaster Services Began in 1881: The American Red Cross has been helping people during times of disaster since its inception and today responds to nearly 70,000 disasters every year.

Red Cross disaster response goes all the way back to Clara Barton and the beginning of the American Red Cross. The first disaster response was in 1881 when a forest fire in Michigan burned through a million acres in 24 hours. The fire claimed almost 300 lives and left thousands homeless. Red Cross chapters collected food and supplies which were shipped to Michigan to assist the 14,000 people in need of help.