In the heart of Reno, Nevada, a family’s story of resilience and determination unfolds. Crystal Hallock and her family have faced an unimaginable challenge, losing their home not once, but twice, to devastating fires. Their journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of community support.
The first tragedy struck in 2018 when an electrical fire engulfed their home, forcing the family to flee with only the clothes on their backs. The blaze moved swiftly, consuming everything in its path, including some of their beloved pets that they were unable to evacuate in time. The memory of that night is etched in Hallock’s mind, a stark reminder of the power of fire and the importance of being prepared.
The Hawk Fire strikes again
Just a few weeks ago, the family faced another nightmare when the Hawk Fire swept down Peavine Mountain towards their home. The fire, which broke out on August 22, forced the family to evacuate once again. This time, however, they were better prepared. They had an evacuation plan in place, packed important documents, and ensured the safety of all their animals.
Hallock recalls the moment they realized the severity of the situation. ‘We really thought we were coming back,’ she said. ‘I think we would have grabbed more had we realized that this was going to happen.’ Despite their preparations, the family watched as their home was once again reduced to ashes.
A community comes together
The Hallock family is not alone in their struggle. The Hawk Fire has displaced numerous families, leaving them to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster. Many of these families have turned to GoFundMe to raise funds for pet care costs, temporary housing, and essential belongings. The outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming, with new campaigns continuing to be added as the platform’s crisis response team verifies them.
Among those seeking help are the Lapin family, who lost their home within minutes as the fire swept through. Veteran Nick Lapin, who lived atop Peavine Mountain for over 20 years, escaped with his dogs but without any belongings or fire insurance. The Reno couple Kelsey and Xander are also seeking assistance with housing, clothing, and care for their family’s pets, alongside supplies for their two young sons.
Supporting displaced pets
The fire has not only affected the families but also their pets. Many animals were left unaccounted for, and some sadly did not survive the blaze. Washoe County has waived pet cremation fees for animals that didn’t make it, offering some solace to grieving families. For those pets that did survive, families are now facing veterinary bills, pet deposits on temporary housing, food, and other costs on top of losing their homes.
Community members can support displaced pets through Washoe County Regional Animal Services or local rescue groups that have been assisting families throughout the fire’s aftermath. The crisis has highlighted the importance of pet preparedness in emergency situations, a lesson that the Hallock family has learned all too well.
Rebuilding and moving forward
Despite the setbacks, Crystal Hallock is determined to rebuild. ‘I can’t imagine living anywhere else,’ she said. ‘I am going to rebuild.’ The family’s home was more than just a house; it was a sanctuary for their eight children and a place where they could watch over each other. The cul-de-sac where they lived provided a safe space for the kids to play, with neighbors keeping a watchful eye.
Hallock’s message to the community is one of gratitude and a plea for continued support. She wants people to remember those who, even six months from now, are still working to get back into their homes. The road to recovery is long, but with the support of the community, the Hallock family and others like them can rebuild and move forward.
