Gardiner resident and American Red Cross of Maine volunteer Brenda Sawyer is in California helping to respond to a wildfire that has burned almost 47,000 acres and destroyed some 250 homes, according to a Red Cross news release.

Sawyer, an 11-year Red Cross volunteer, traveled to the Erskine fire Sunday to assist as a disaster mental health supervisor. Through the years, Sawyer has been deployed to 14 disasters nationwide, including the Boston Marathon bombing, according to the Red Cross.

Earlier this week, the Red Cross operated and supported two shelters for more than 80 people in communities at risk. Where it is safe to do so, Red Cross disaster workers are delivering relief suppliesfor both residents and first responders. As droughts continue and fires spread, the Red Cross will continue to provide resources, according to the organization.


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