Residents Flee as Hawk Fire Forces Rapid Evacuations
As the Hawk Fire raged on Sunday, Cecilia Leal-Covey faced a race against time to evacuate her home of 35 years in Stead. With only 30 minutes to gather her essentials, she left with her father and her 17-year-old chihuahua, Lola.
The journey into town, which usually takes less time, stretched into a two-hour ordeal. Leal-Covey’s house holds significant sentimental value, having been chosen for its wheelchair accessibility and spacious backyard, ideal for her dogs over the years.
For Leal-Covey, this was an unprecedented event. Reflecting on the hurried departure, she remarked, “It was hard for me to say, ‘Would I see it again?’ You know, leave without a goodbye. I know it sounds dramatic, but look at that.” As she sat at the convention center, she watched the ominous smoke rise from the fire.
The temporary shelter, which welcomed pets on the first night, was bustling with evacuees accompanied by their animals. While the Red Cross ensures that no evacuees with pets are turned away, they advise taking small animals to the Washoe County Regional Animal Services on Longley Lane for better care.
“They’ll be able to be taken care of there as well. We see the bond between people and their pets; they’re stressed out as well,” Cass Bonfiglio, a public affairs volunteer with the Red Cross of Northern Nevada, shared.
As the situation developed, the Red Cross moved the evacuation center from the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center to the convention center, accommodating more people. Bonfiglio noted that evacuees continued to arrive until 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
Local businesses have contributed by providing meals, and the Red Cross has set up healthcare services to address medical needs, including oxygen supply. Although hygiene kits are available, shower facilities are not.
The shelter is prepared to scale up its operations if necessary. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve confirmed to KUNR that over 900 cots are ready for evacuees.
