American Red Cross Providing Assistance with Wildfires

DULUTH, Minn.– With everything happening with the fires, it’s no surprise many organizations are stepping up to help.

Red Cross’s Executive Director Dan Williams told FOX 21, they train once a year for situations like this.

The Red Cross is able to assist with the multiple fires up north, but also the recent West Hillside Manor fire in Moose Lake.

And they were quick to spring into action when the fires began.

They’ve set up numerous evacuation centers, as well as mental health resources.

For anyone struggling with this disaster, Red Cross officials want you to know you’re not alone.

“And one of the things we want to make sure is that people that are displaced don’t feel like they have to be in this on their own. So, we want people to know, you know, call 211, you can get captured, so that your contact information as to where you are now can be shared with the county and with the Red Cross so assistance can get to you,” said Dan Williams, Executive Director NE American Red Cross.

And with the work the volunteers and staff has accomplished, Williams said their training has paid off.

“One of the things I’m really proud of is the work that the Red Cross has done in conjunction with our partners about having County Public Health ready to open up reception centers have such a close relationship with emergency management, so they know what they can ask for from us, and we know what to expect from them. And so we’re really looking forward to, over the coming days, being able to help so many of those people that have been displaced,” said Williams.

If you’re interested in helping donate towards people in need from the wildfire disaster, you can donate through United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, and Head of the Lakes United Way.

You can also text REDCROSS to 90999, or visit http://Redcross.org/mndaks, as well as call 1-800-733-2767 to help pitch in.