Some Northern Nevada residents are now learning their homes were damaged or destroyed by the Bug and Stallion fires, and the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada is offering assistance to those affected.
People can speak with a Red Cross disaster worker at the shelter inside the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center at 1301 Valley Road in Reno or call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-(800) 733-2767 for information about available help.
The shelter remains open for people displaced by the wildfires. More than 5,200 people remained unable to return home early Thursday as the fires had burned more than 120,000 acres since Saturday.
“For some families, the uncertainty of the past several days is giving way to the reality that their home was damaged or destroyed,” said Bridget Posson, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “Our disaster workers are here to help families understand what assistance is available and support them as they face what comes next.”
Red Cross disaster workers at the Reno shelter are providing shelter, meals, relief supplies and other support while residents wait to learn when they can safely return home.
The Bug Fire, which merged with the Fred Mountain Fire, had grown to more than 88,000 acres by Thursday morning. The Stallion Fire, south of Pyramid Lake, had reached more than 40,000 acres.
Mandatory evacuation zones for the two fires covered more than 500 square miles, with another 300 square miles under evacuation warnings. Residents in evacuated areas have been told not to return until local authorities determine it is safe.
Law enforcement and Nevada National Guard personnel remain at checkpoints, while evacuation orders and warnings may change as conditions evolve.
The Red Cross is also encouraging people in areas at higher risk of wildfires to prepare before an evacuation is ordered. That includes knowing where to go, identifying more than one route out, signing up for local emergency alerts, and monitoring updates from fire officials, law enforcement, and emergency management agencies.
Residents are encouraged to keep a go-kit ready with water, medications, important documents, phone chargers, clothing, cash, hygiene items and supplies for children, older adults, pets and people with medical needs. The Red Cross also recommends moving flammable items away from homes, including outdoor furniture, firewood and dry leaves, and anything stored near decks, fences or garages.
Drivers should keep their cars fueled or charged and parked facing out. The Red Cross says people should never drive around road closures or return to an evacuated area until officials say it is safe.
The free Red Cross Emergency app provides weather alerts, shelter information and preparedness guidance. The Red Cross First Aid app offers step-by-step instructions for common injuries and emergencies. Both are available by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.
More wildfire safety information is available through the Red Cross at redcross.org/wildfire.
People can also support disaster relief efforts through the Red Cross. Donations to Red Cross Disaster Relief provide shelter, food and other support to people affected by disasters, while also helping the organization prepare for and respond to future disasters. Donations can be made through redcross.org/Donate, by calling 1-(800) RED CROSS, or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.
