RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – More than 450 people forced from their homes by the #HawkFire spent the night of Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center evacuation shelter, according to a Sunday, Aug. 23, American Red Cross of Northern Nevada news release.
An additional 200 evacuees chose to remain in cars, campers and RVs in the parking lot while accessing shelter services.
“This fire moved quickly and forced hundreds of people to leave their homes with little notice,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada. “Our volunteers will continue to be here for people who need a safe place to stay, something to eat or simply a place to regroup while they wait for more information.”
The shelter, at the convention center’s Hall 4 at 4590 South Virginia Street in Reno, is available for people displaced by the fire.
Red Cross disaster workers, Washoe County staff and community partners are providing meals, water, health services, emotional support and other care for evacuees.
The Salvation Army provided breakfast at the shelter Sunday.
There is space available at the shelter, and if needed, capacity can be expanded there or an additional shelter can be opened.
Red Cross shelters are open to anyone affected by an emergency.
No identification is required.
People coming to the shelter should bring essential medications, clothing, important documents, chargers and other personal items if possible.
For information about open Red Cross shelters, click here, or call (800) 733-2767.
Hawk Fire evacuations
The Hawk Fire grew rapidly Saturday amid strong winds and dry conditions, forcing widespread evacuations in Washoe County.
By early Sunday, the fire had burned more than 10,500 acres and was threatening nearly 1,000 homes.
The fire prompted evacuations in northwest Reno, the Sommerset community and North Valleys, with evacuation warnings extending across the Nevada-California state line into Sierra County.
To donate to the Red Cross, click here or call (800)-RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999.
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