Since July, the Pee Dee Chapter of the American Red Cross has helped more than 600 people who lost their homes to fires.
Officials say last month there were several days when they responded to five fires in one day.
The organization provides food, vouchers for clothing and temporary shelter to the families.
"These are people who are out in the middle of the night. Last week, we had a woman jump out of a window with a T-shirt. In the middle of the night that's all she has," said Linda Boone-Smith, Director Pee Dee Red Cross.
Chaquita Bethea and her family of Dillon County is one of the many who have received help from the Red Cross.
Dillon County sheriff's deputies say it appears a fire that destroyed Bethea's home is an arson.
She lost everything, but is thankful to the Red Cross for stepping in to help.
"They helped out a lot! They made sure we had a place to stay temporarily and I appreciate that," said Chaquita Bethea.
The Red Cross says it cost them an average of $1,250 to help a family of four.
However, in recent weeks family sizes have increased causing expenses to double.
"We're now seeing families of eight. Families of 11. You know the family sizes are just increasing people are having to consolidate resources to be able to meet their needs now. So the families are larger. The responses seem to be more devastating," explained Smith.
She says the organization depends on the financial donations of the public to continue helping families.
Smith says with so many fires, money is dwindling.
"We need the support of the public to be able to be there for these people. We can't be there without the generosity of our public."
You can find out how you can give to the Pee Dee Red Cross by calling the organization at (843) 662-8121.
You can also mail donations to
American Red Cross Pee Dee Chapter
1601-A West Lucas Street
Florence, SC 29501.
