Pine Tree Chapter assists 31 Orono residents with housing and post-fire needs

The Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross has provided over five  thousand dollars in financial assistance, over the past three days, to over 31 students and residents of the Stillwater apartment complex located on Centre Drive in Orono.  The fire broke out Saturday night in the complex, displacing residents in over twelve units.  University officials have been helpful in placing students in University housing, but some other residents were also sheltered temporarily in local hotels by the Red Cross.
 
"This is a very large incident for us" stated Gretchen O'Grady Chapter Emergency Services Director.  "We are just starting our fire season, and with the holidays approaching, and federal heating assistance cuts, we are quite concerned."  " A fire response like this takes a toll on our budget!"  The Pine Tree Chapter provides debit cards to fire victims to help them replace clothing and food and other essential items lost in a fire, as well as disaster mental health counseling, agency referrals, assistance with medical needs and temporary accommodations if necessary.  The Chapter receives no state or federal funding, only local donations raised from the individuals and communities, in the seven Maine counties it serves.
 
As we approach the holidays, the Pine Tree Chapter urges residents to be extra careful with holiday decorations.  Do not leave candles or open flames unattended.  Keep Christmas greens and trees well hydrated and away from open flames and wood stoves.  Do not use outdoor cooking equipment inside for heating or cooking purposes.  Turn off all tree lights and extinguish all candles before leaving the house. 
 
Fire prevention information as well as holiday safety tips are available online, by phone at 207-941-2903 or at our main office at 73 Hammond Street, Suite One, Bangor, ME, 04401