IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The devastating explosion that rocked Iron River on Saturday claimed a life and forced over a dozen people to evacuate their homes, sparking a rapid response from the American Red Cross. Families from 10 nearby homes were evacuated, sending shockwaves through the community.
Kathryn Halvorsen, Executive Director of the American Red Cross North Central Wisconsin Division, emphasized the ongoing support being provided to the 14 individuals affected by the tragedy. “Our caseworkers have 3 cases that they’ve opened, just one to add to the two yesterday that were open. So we have three total cases open right now with our volunteers. So they’ll be supporting those clients every step of the way, and that could include some financial assistance,” Halvorsen stated.
“We are there for disasters big and small. And you might not always see us, but know that we are visible. We are helping, even when it’s not being recognized on the news. We were ready to open a shelter, and other community members really stepped up to help us. It was just a great collaboration all around,” she added. “Especially with a big organization like this, we’re providing financial assistance right away to clients who need it. So in the grand scheme of things, when you do donate to the Red Cross, it is helping individuals,” said Halvorsen.
Covering a significant portion of the Upper Peninsula, the North Central Wisconsin branch of the Red Cross swiftly collaborated with local churches and emergency dispatch teams, including the fire department, to provide immediate relief. The organization has been distributing food to those affected in Iron River and stands ready to assist with shelter if needed.
Halvorsen highlighted the breadth of assistance the Red Cross offers, extending beyond financial aid to include emotional and medical support. “Really these casework volunteers, they’re providing follow-up with clients soon after that disaster, and then they provide support every step of the way. Whether it’s resources for long-term support. We can also help with ongoing medical needs, replacing medications that were lost maybe, as well as medical equipment,” she explained.
“I really have to give kudos to our disaster action team,” mentioned Halvorsen. “Made up of volunteers who respond to these emergencies, often times in the middle of the night, and really are the first people after emergency personnel to be there and assist and help find resources for those individuals,” she stated. The chapter’s disaster program manager, Timothy Davis, and other volunteers in the U.P. helped as well.
The Red Cross works to connect individuals with local mental health resources, recognizing the importance of addressing emotional trauma in the aftermath of such events. “We are a one-stop-shop to give everybody the resources they need, even if it’s outside of us,” Halvorsen emphasized.
As investigations into the cause of the explosion continue, the Michigan State Police are actively working to determine the underlying factors. Meanwhile, the American Red Cross remains committed to providing ongoing support for as long as there are open cases related to this disaster, ensuring that those affected receive the assistance they need to begin rebuilding their lives.
“The financial assistance depends on the situation. It depends of course on the size of the disaster. This is made available through casework. When we do get somebody who wants Red Cross help and support and opens up a case with us, that’s when we’re able to determine the financial aspect of everything and how much they’ll receive,” explained Halvorsen.
In addition to their immediate response efforts, the North Central Wisconsin chapter of the American Red Cross continues to serve communities across a vast region, including Iron, Vilas, Florence, Oneida, Forest, Lincoln, Langlade, Menominee, Marathon, Shawano, Wood, and Portage counties in Wisconsin. The chapter extends its services to five counties in the Upper Peninsula: Keweenaw, Houghton, Ontonagon, Iron, and Gogebic. Additionally, it serves several tribal communities, including the Forest County Potawatomi, Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, Sokaogon Chippewa Community, Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, and Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.
To find out how to make a contribution to the American Red Cross, visit:
Or call: 1-800-RED-CROSS
Or Text 90999.
