Hungry Valley residents are now under a mandatory evacuation order as the Bug Fire continues to threaten the area.
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony had previously issued a voluntary evacuation warning for Hungry Valley, but residents are now being directed to leave.
Residents should take medications, identification, important documents, clothing, phone chargers, water, and essential supplies for pets or livestock. Residents should also make sure their vehicles are ready and that everyone in the household knows the evacuation plan.
The Reno Gym at 34 Reservation Road is open as an evacuation center.
RSIC Public Works, Recreation and the Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center are prepared to help residents with transportation.
Residents who need transportation, medical, mobility, or other evacuation assistance should call (775)842-2902 or (775)895-9835.
Hungry Valley is also without power, and residents should plan for the power to remain off.
NV Energy is shutting off natural gas service in Hungry Valley as a safety precaution. NV Energy personnel have been going door-to-door to notify residents. People who are not home do not need to return solely for the gas shutoff because NV Energy can access the gas line from outside the home.
The power outage, gas shutoff, smoke and wildfire conditions could create additional challenges for residents. People who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, refrigerated medication or other essential equipment should leave or seek evacuation assistance.
RSIC Tribal Police is controlling access at Eagle Canyon Drive and turning away spectators and unnecessary traffic.
Residents were asked not to enter Hungry Valley to watch the fire, take pictures or sightsee. Roads need to remain clear for firefighters, law enforcement, emergency vehicles, residents and evacuation traffic.
People entering Hungry Valley specifically to help a family member prepare or evacuate will be allowed through, but they should cooperate with Tribal Police and follow their directions.
Hungry Valley Fire and RSIC Incident Command remain activated and are coordinating with responding agencies.
Truckee Meadows Fire and BLM Fire are conducting helicopter water drops around Hungry Valley. Residents may see and hear increased helicopter activity as firefighting operations continue.
Residents should stay away from active firefighting operations and keep roads and access areas clear for emergency personnel.
The RSIC Cultural Resources team is also activated and coordinating with Truckee Meadows Fire, Incident Command and other responding agencies to help protect culturally significant sites and resources during the wildfire and suppression operations.
Smoke and poor air quality remain concerns. Elders, children, and anyone sensitive to smoke or with medical conditions should stay indoors when possible, keep windows and doors closed, and limit unnecessary outdoor activity.
The Hungry Valley Gym remains closed due to the fires, poor air quality, and the facility's lack of air conditioning.
RSIC employees who normally work in Hungry Valley, as well as Hungry Valley residents who work for RSIC, do not need to report to work. If a mandatory evacuation order is issued, only designated essential employees will report to work.
Tribal Administrator Ruby Steele and HR Director Julie Hemann will notify employees by email about who has been designated as essential personnel and provide additional reporting instructions. Employees should check their RSIC email regularly, keep their phones nearby, and monitor official RSIC communications and RAVE Alerts.
Hungry Valley trash pickup has been rescheduled for Tuesday.
Residents should check Perimeter Map for the latest evacuation areas and updates.
Residents are also encouraged to conserve phone battery, keep phones charged with a portable charger if available, and check on elders, relatives, neighbors, and anyone who may need assistance.
The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony thanked Hungry Valley Fire, Truckee Meadows Fire, BLM Fire, RSIC Tribal Police, Public Works, Recreation, the Reno-Sparks Tribal Health Center, Cultural Resources, its Incident Command team, Tribal Council and other responding personnel and partner agencies working to protect Hungry Valley.
