POTSDAM – A total of 49 people have been assisted by the Red Cross following the fire on Debra Drive off Lawrence Avenue early Saturday morning which destroyed an apartment building.

Potsdam firefighters evacuated 24 apartments at the scene after a fire allegedly started in a bathroom of one the apartments, spread to the other units.

Initial counts of those assisted by the Red Cross said 39 people had received some sort of aid following the blaze.

A press release Monday, Jan. 28 from the organization said five more adults and fivie children, ranging in age from 2-5 were provided with shelter, food and clothing. Comfort kits and stuffed animals were also provided to the children the Red Cross said.

Firefighters from Potsdam, West Potsdam, Canton, West Stockholm, Parishville and Norwood were on scene with Hannawa Falls on standby at Potsdam’s fire station during the fire.

Potsdam school provided buses to transport people away from the scene.

To read an earlier story about the fire, click here.