Summer fires stretch local Red Cross resources

    PRESQUE ISLE – The Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross has responded to nearly a dozen home disasters since summer began, according to Pine Tree Chapter Executive Director Suzan Bell, stretching the local Chapter’s resources nearly to the breaking point.    Since June 1, the local disaster response agency has assisted nearly 30 children and adults in communities that include Aurora, Belmont, Belfast, Hodgdon, Hudson, Old Town and Presque Isle. The Aurora house fire earlier this month affected a family with eight children. The Old Town fire affected 11 people in four households. Presque Isle victims experienced two fires during June and July.
    “I urge Mainers to exercise caution,” Bell said. “This can be as dangerous a fire season as any in eastern and northern Maine. Lightning from summer thunderstorms, kitchen fires, electrical fires and more are all causes of fires in the hot weather.”
    Bell noted that the local Red Cross is ready to respond with needed shelter, food and clothing, and that all Red Cross disaster services are provided free to victims.
    “The demand on the Chapter’s resources is increasing because all local disaster relief funds come from local donors,” Bell said. “I hope the public will respond with financial contributions, which will help neighbors and loved ones cope with disasters like the ones we have been dealing for the past month and a half.”
    Contributions to help victims of summer fires and other disasters can be sent to: American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter, 141 State St., Presque Isle, ME 04769.
    Information on ways to protect your home, your loved ones and yourself from summer fires is available from Judy DeMerchant, volunteer director of Disaster Services or Larry French, assistant volunteer director of Disaster Services by calling 762-5671 or e-mail at arc.aroostook@ainop.com.