When Cecilia Leal-Covey was alerted to get ready to evacuate just before 5 p.m. on Sunday, she only had 30 minutes to pack her belongings before the mandatory notice took effect. She left with her dad and 17-year-old chihuahua, Lola.
It took them two hours to get into town from their home of 35 years in Stead. The house is special to Leal-Covey, who said their realtor found a place that allowed her to move around in her wheelchair with ease and a big backyard for her dogs throughout the years.
It’s the first time she’s ever had to evacuate. She left so quickly she grabbed a sweater for Lola, but not for herself.
“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,” Leal-Covey said.
Leal-Covey watched dark smoke continue to rise from the Hawk Fire, which was visible from the convention center, while cradling Lola in her lap.
The shelter accepted pets on the first night, and there were many dogs. Evacuees with pets will not be turned away, but the Red Cross is now strongly urging people to bring small animals to the Washoe County Regional Animal Services on Longley Lane.
“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,” said Cass Bonfiglio, public affairs volunteer with the Red Cross of Northern Nevada.
Bonfiglio said a steady stream of evacuees arrived up until 2 a.m. Sunday morning. The Red Cross originally set up an evacuation center at the Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center, but Bonfiglio said they were notified they would need more space, and moved to the convention center.
Local restaurants have pitched in to provide food, Bonfiglio said, and the Red Cross also has health care professionals on site to address medical needs, such as oxygen. They also have hygiene kits, but no showers.
The shelter remains open and can expand if needed. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve told KUNR that more than 900 cots will be available.
