Animals Find Refuge from Wildfire Threat at Reno Livestock Event Center
In the face of rapidly advancing wildfires, the Reno Livestock Event Center has become a sanctuary for over 300 animals, including horses, goats, and pigs. As of Monday morning, the center was nearing its full capacity, with Washoe County Regional Animal Services taking charge of the situation.
Tammy Jennings, assistant director for Washoe County Regional Animal Services, emphasized the urgency of evacuating animals from the most critical “red evacuation sites.” Jennings stated, “We have to get those animals out first.”
Malory Shaw / KUNR Public Radio
Jennings and her team have been tirelessly working since early Sunday to manage the influx of animals. One of the evacuees, Amanda Figoni, arrived late Sunday night with her three horses from Antelope Valley. Recounting the swift evacuation, Figoni said, “Within 20 minutes, [the fire] just exploded and came right down the valley. We had 5-10 minutes to get the horses loaded and out. We grabbed three bales of hay, and the horses.”
Malory Shaw / KUNR Public Radio
Despite the center providing food, shelter, and water, Figoni noted that the sudden move has been taxing on her horses. “They’re very stressed out. But hopefully, this is just [a] temporary situation today. We’re praying that it’s just today,” she expressed with hope.
Residing in Spanish Springs, Figoni remains hopeful that further evacuations for her family and pets will not be necessary.
For more information or assistance, individuals can visit the Washoe County Emergency Center website.
