Evacuation efforts are ongoing for residents in the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fire area. As of Wednesday, nearly 15,500 homes stood in the path of the Calf Canyon and Hermits Peak fires and fell under a mandatory evacuation order, KOB4 reported. Additionally, 150 homes had been burned to the ground.
The evacuees are staying at any place where they can attain shelter, such as the homes of family and friends, schools in the area, RVs or just camping outside.
“State police went over and told us that we had to evacuate, so we just did,” Lalo Lovato told KOB4 on May 4. "It's been hell, it's been like crazy. For me, it's a lot."
She went on to express gratitude for what she did still have.
"I feel sorry for people that don't have nothing to stay in," Lovato said. "That's my issue, but we gotta be grateful that we have what we have. And some people are homeless and that is bad. When they're staying in their cars and don't know what to do, then you see that we're OK.”
Numerous evacuees had to leave on a moment's notice and couldn't bring many of their personal items with them, which leaves them dependent on donations during the time they can't go back to their homes. The National Guard is gathering donations which can include clothes, food, water and toiletry items from the community in an attempt to assist the evacuees. Many members of the surrounding community are coming to help their neighbors in need as well.
