Smoke alarm saves lives of Anderson resident and his cats – allowing him to keep a promise made to his late partner

By Angie Irmer, Volunteer

George Grove lives in a single-wide mobile home in Anderson, CA. In the early morning hours of May 29, 2025, he, like many people, lay asleep in bed.

As usual, Grove’s Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine was on while he slept. Suddenly, above the whirring sound of the CPAP, he heard his smoke alarm.

The smoke alarm was installed a few months earlier by local volunteers with the American Red Cross through the organization’s Home Fire Campaign.

As Grove awakened, he saw his home fill with smoke.

He immediately called 9-1-1.

Grove lost his partner of 25 years approximately three years before the fire. He had made a promise to her that he would take care of their cats after she had passed away.

Still recovering from a stroke he suffered a few years ago, Grove was still able to move gather his two cats, Ollie and Cleo, and get outside to safety. 

Because the smoke alarm woke him up, Grove was able to keep his promise to his late partner, saving their beloved pets as he fled his home.

He noted how important smoke alarms are stating, “We can’t do without them.”

Since the fire, Grove has been able to repair the damage done to his home. He said he is thankful for the Red Cross and for the financial assistance provided to him by the organization which helped him in the following days.

To find out how to support the Red Cross with a financial donation, by donating blood or becoming a volunteer, click here.