KNOXVILLE -- Volunteers and staff members of the American Red Cross responded to a fire at Copper Pointe Apartments at approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning. Sixteen apartment units were affected.

Red Cross representatives are on the scene to assist affected tenants and families and determine their needs for emergency food, shelter, clothing, and mental health counseling. Some are expected to be placed in alternate units by the apartment management. Those needing Red Cross assistance will be given direct aid.

Case work will continue today to help ensure that emergency needs are met and that fire victims are connected with all needed community services.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join their blog at http://blog.redcross.org.