When the Hawk Fire roared through Washoe County last week, it reduced 47 homes to ash and damaged 14 more. In the Peppermint Drive area of Stead, a handful of families watched the flames creep toward their street, only to see their own houses miraculously survive.
First alerts and frantic evacuations
Janitza Santos remembers the moment the evacuation notice arrived. “We didn’t think the fire was going to get really close to our house because it was on the other side of the mountain,” she said. “We wouldn’t think it would get over to the freeway, but it was really traumatizing.”
Down the block, Jennifer Bryant hurried to gather her son, dog, three cats, and anything else that could fit into the car. Her husband stayed behind, spraying water on the yard in a last‑ditch effort to protect their property.
Returning to rescue neighbors
After the family reached safety, a neighbor’s call changed the night’s course. An elderly woman was trapped in her garage without power. Santos and her father raced back twice, braving smoke and heat to free the woman and another neighbor.
“The fire got in our eyes and we couldn’t breathe. I was so worried for my dad because he had a heart attack a few years ago,” Santos recalled.
Homes left standing, emotions run high
Both the Bryant and Santos families returned to find their houses still upright, the charred scar of the fire only a stone’s throw away. “It was pure shock, pure emotional tears, everything,” Bryant said, describing the mix of relief and gratitude. “But happy tears that we still had a house.”
Santos added, “Considering that my parents have been here for over 23 years, I’m just so grateful my house is still here.”
Community response and ways to help
In the wake of the disaster, Stead residents are opening their doors. “Come to Honeysuckle Court,” Bryant urged. “We have food, power, extra rooms, and space for animals. If you need a hug, we’re here.”
Local charities have also mobilized. Several GoFundMe campaigns are active, and 2 News Nevada is partnering with Reno Media Group for a fund drive at the west parking lot of The Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donations can be made in cash, by check to Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, or online via credit card.
The Hawk Fire’s devastation has reminded Stead’s tight‑knit community of the importance of neighborly support, faith, and resilience. As families rebuild, the shared experience underscores the strength that comes from caring for one another in times of crisis.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
