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BILLINGS - Fires may no longer be raging across parts of the state, but Montana's Red Cross units are still busy helping in the aftermath of the blazes.

The Red Cross has opened 12 shelters across Montana, provided more than 800 overnight stays to evacuees and served nearly 19,000 meals and snacks to local residents and fire crews since the fire season erupted at the end of June.

The agency has also staffed four service centers with caseworkers to help those displaced by the fires, distributing more than 1,500 relief items, including hygiene kits and cleaning supplies such as rakes and work gloves.

Red Cross workers have also provided some 1,600 contacts with information about getting health and mental health services ranging from prescription drugs to counseling to deal with their losses.

Case work volunteers will be at the Department of Emergency Services, located at 7003 3rd Street West in Roundup, from noon to 6:30 p.m. daily through Wednesday.

The Red Cross is also continuing with relief efforts in other parts of Montana and anyone who needs disaster-related assistance should call (800) 272-6668 and ask to speak with the duty officer.

Those who wish to help support American Red Cross Disaster Relief in Montana and around the world can do so by visiting www.montanaredcross.org, calling (800) 272-6668 or mailing a check to the American Red Cross of Montana, 1300 28th Street South, Great Falls, MT 59405.