Saturday, 9/7 – Orono (Penobscot County) Multi Family Fire. A cooking accident at off-campus housing in Orono led to a fire that displaced 12 individuals. The university housed all of the residents until they could return to their apartment. One of the residents requested Red Cross assistance for loss of food. Red Cross volunteer Bud Walkup met with the client and provided assistance.
Thursday, 9/12 – Caribou (Aroostook County) Single Family Fire. Lightning is to blame for a fire that left a man and his son homeless. Red Cross volunteer Bob Jordan, along with Disaster Action Team trainee John Kiehn (on his first case), responded. The Red Cross provided assistance for food and clothing.
Tuesday, 9/17 – Columbia (Washington County) Single Family Fire. A man was busy in his workshop when he heard the smoke detector going off in his home. By the time he responded, his home was filled with smoke. He called the fire department from a neighbor’s house, but by the time they arrived, everything inside was destroyed. Readiness Manager Rob Eaton responded; the Red Cross provided assistance with food and clothing. The client is staying with friends.
Tuesday, 9/17 – Lagrange (Penobscot County) Single Family Fire. A fire started around 3 am, leaving a couple and their two daughters displaced and in desperate need of Red Cross assistance. Red Cross volunteer Corina Hamlin responded; the Red Cross provided assistance with food, clothing, and seasonal garments for four.
Wednesday, 9/18 – Freeport (Cumberland County) Single Family Fire. A fire that started in the electrical panel caused extensive damage to an apartment, displacing the tenant for an extended period of time. The tenant lives alone and was not home at the time of the incident. Upon arrival, the tenant learned that he will be displaced for an extended period of time and much of his personal belongings were destroyed as a result of smoke and water. The tenant decided to stay with family on the evening of the incident and was provided Red Cross contact information from the Freeport Fire Department. The following day, the tenant reached out to the Red Cross, and Disaster Action Team volunteer Judy Hamer responded. In an effort to help the client with replacement of critical medical equipment, Judy contacted Health Services volunteer Karen Rea, who provided assistance. The Red Cross also provided assistance for food, clothing, lodging, and referrals to local social service agencies.
Thursday, 9/19 – Portland (Cumberland County) Multi Family Fire. An early morning fire damaged the lower floors of nearly a block of Portland’s Old Port, leaving eight residents homeless and at least temporarily closing five businesses in the popular shopping and eating district. The tenants who lived in the second and third floors were able to evacuate safely, but due to building code violations, the apartment building has been deemed uninhabitable. The Portland Fire Department called the Red Cross to help assist the people who lived in the four apartments. Red Cross volunteer Michele Danois responded to the scene and quickly assessed the needs of the clients. In an effort to help clients retrieve important items from their apartment safely, Michelle collaborated with fire officials and building property management. The Red Cross provided clients of the fire with assistance for food, clothing, and lodging at a local motel. The clients have been referred to the General Assistance office to help with alternate housing plans.
American Red Cross of Maine 