American Red Cross supporting Northern Nevada residents as Bug and Stallion fires destroy homes

According to a statement by the American Red Cross, “People whose homes have been damaged or destroyed can call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit the Red Cross shelter in Reno for assistance.”

As some residents begin learning that their homes have been damaged or destroyed by the Bug and Stallion fires, they can reach out to the American Red Cross of Northern Nevada for assistance by visiting the Red Cross shelter in Reno to speak with a disaster worker or calling (800) RED CROSS ((800) 733-2767).

The Red Cross emergency shelter at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, 1301 Valley Road in Reno, remains open for anyone displaced by the wildfires who needs a safe place to stay. Red Cross disaster workers are providing shelter, meals, relief supplies and other support as residents wait to learn when they can safely return home.

“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.”

More than 5,000 people displaced by Bug and Stallion fires
The Bug and Stallion fires have burned more than 120,000 acres since Saturday and forced thousands of residents from their homes across northern Washoe County. More than 5,000 people remained displaced as of early Thursday morning.

The Bug Fire, which merged with the Fred Mountain Fire, had grown to over 88,000 acres as of 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 should not return home until local authorities say it is safe to do so. Law enforcement and Nevada National Guard personnel remain at checkpoints, and evacuation orders and warnings may change as conditions evolve.

Prepare before evacuations are ordered
The Red Cross encourages residents in areas at higher wildfire risk to prepare now:
• Know where to go if an evacuation is ordered and identify more than one route out of the area.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts and monitor updates from fire officials, law enforcement and emergency management agencies.
• 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.
• Move flammable items away from homes, including outdoor furniture, firewood, dry leaves and anything stored near decks, fences or garages.
• Keep vehicles fueled or charged and parked facing out.
• Never drive around road closures or return to an evacuated area until officials say it is safe.

Stay informed
The free Red Cross Emergency app provides weather alerts, shelter information and preparedness guidance. The Red Cross First Aid app includes step-by-step instructions for common injuries and emergencies. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or visit redcross.org/apps.

More wildfire safety information is available at redcross.org/wildfire.

Support for disaster relief efforts
Community support can help families facing disasters, including the wildfires in Northern Nevada. Contributions to Red Cross Disaster Relief provide shelter, food and other critical support to people in need. These donations also help the Red Cross prepare for and respond to future disasters. To donate, visit redcross.org/Donate, call (800) RED CROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.