Nevada Catholic churches open doors amid northern Nevada wildfires

A Nevada wildfire that has leveled homes near Reno, Nevada, and caused the evacuation of about 90,000 residents is expected to burn for another 48 hours.

Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada is preparing its response for short- and long-term aid while evacuating employees and volunteers.

Marie Baxter, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada , said she had a family of six — and their two cats, dog, and rabbit — staying in her office Saturday night.

“We have 200 employees and, on a rough estimate, would say that 20% of our staff are evacuated,” she told EWTN News. “We are also navigating assisting our volunteers, as many of whom also are evacuated. Volunteers provide critical manpower in our dining rooms and our food pantry.”

Catholic Charities worked with the Red Cross over the weekend while planning to step in for a long-term response.

Both St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Sparks opened doors for overnight guests, according to Baxter.

“Over the weekend, we were in regular communication with the Red Cross ready to provide volunteers, food, and other resources,” she said.

“Our most intensive role actually comes…