BANGOR – Nearly a dozen home disasters in the past six weeks have stretched the resources of the Pine Tree chapter of the American Red Cross close to the breaking point, said chapter Executive Director Suzan Bell.

Since June 1 the area disaster response agency has assisted nearly 30 children and adults in Aurora, Belmont, Belfast, Hodgdon, Hudson, Old Town and Presque Isle.

The Aurora house fire earlier this month affected a family with eight children. The Old Town fire affected 11 people in four households. Presque Isle victims experienced two fires during June and July.

“I urge Mainers to exercise caution all summer long,” Bell said in a news release. “Lightning from summer thunderstorms, kitchen fires, electrical fires and more are all causes of fires in the hot weather.” She indicated the Red Cross is ready to respond with shelter, food and clothing, and that all Red Cross disaster services are provided free to victims.

“The demand on the Chapter’s resources is increasing, because all local disaster relief funds come from local donors,” Bell said in the release. “I hope the public will respond with financial contributions, which will help neighbors and loved ones cope with disasters like the ones we have been dealing with for the past month and a half.”

Contributions may be sent to Pine Tree chapter, American Red Cross, 33 Mildred Ave., Bangor 04401.

Information on ways to protect your home, your loved ones and yourself from summer fires is available from Hillary Roberts, emergency and preparedness services coordinator, at robertsh@pinetree.redcross.org or by calling 941-2903 in Bangor; or Ginny Reed, emergency services director at arcrock@midcoast.com or 594-4576 in Rockland.