Answering One of the Toughest Calls: Red Cross Responds to Maine Mill Explosion
By Jennifer Costa, Red Cross communications director Tony Mellon, Red Cross volunteer It was one of the most urgent calls a Red Cross disaster action team can receive: on May 15, a massive fire and explosion at a lumber mill in Searsmont, Maine, left firefighters injured and the Red Cross mobilizing without hesitation. “As we began gathering information and preparing to respond, the incident was later escalated and declared a mass casualty event,” said John Montes, Red Cross regional disaster officer for Northern New England. Working in close coordination with county emergency management, the team quickly assessed needs, mobilized volunteers, and deployed critical resources. At the height of the response, with more than 200 first responders on scene, Red Cross teams delivered food, hydration, comfort items—and a steady, reassuring presence—around the clock. Tony and Susan Mellon are two of more than 30 Red Crossers who supported this response. The couple has depl...
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