The American Red Cross of Hancock County is opening an emergency shelter for the residents of a Findlay building following a fire on Friday evening.

The shelter is located at 50 North, 339 E. Melrose Avenue in Findlay.

Residents of 223 ½ N. Main St. were driven from their homes by the fire, which began around 6 p.m. Friday evening.

Red Cross volunteers initially opened an Evacuation Center at the Hancock County Red Cross office, 125 Fair St. in Findlay, to give residents a warm, safe place to gather while firefighters battled the blaze.  Approximately 16 residents are expected to stay in the Red Cross shelter.

Red Cross caseworkers will be at the shelter to meet with the residents to assess their immediate needs and provide assistance for food, clothing, medication and other essentials.

The American Red Cross of Hancock County is a United Way agency.