HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., June 25, 2009 - Fire ripped through the Cedar Valley Apartments on Wendell Street this afternoon, damaging at least eight apartments.

Because many residents are presumably at work, it is unknown how many may have been displaced; however, volunteers from the Nassau Red Cross are on the scene to offer assistance in the form of temporary shelter, food and clothing.

Additionally, the Red Cross provided bottled water and sports drinks to keep firefighters hydrated.

All Red Cross assistance is provided at no cost to those affected. To learn how you can help the Nassau Red Cross respond to local disasters like this fire, log on to www.nassauredcross.org or call (516) 747-3500.

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