Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
GOLCONDA, Nev. (June 13, 2026) — American Red Cross of Northern Nevada volunteers opened a cooling center Friday for Golconda residents who remained without power one week after a June 5 fire destroyed nine homes and left 16 others without electricity. Humboldt County emergency management requested additional Red Cross support as temperatures climbed above 90 degrees.
The cooling center opened at the Golconda School, a historic building built in 1888, where residents could get out of the heat, receive food and water, charge cellphones and connect with response teams. Four Red Cross volunteers supported the response, traveling from Winnemucca, Incline Village and Silver Springs.
“Our volunteers dropped what they were doing and traveled to Golconda to make sure residents had support, comfort and the reassurance that they were not alone,” said Bridget Posson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “Their willingness to help people in the middle of a difficult day is at the heart of what the Red Cross does.”
Fire Response and Power Outage
Red Cross disaster responders first assisted residents after the June 5 fire, which affected nine trailer homes in Golconda. At the time, local officials determined a shelter was not needed, and residents displaced by the fire were placed in a hotel.
The fire also knocked out power to the 16 other homes in the community. On Friday, the Humboldt County emergency manager contacted the Red Cross for assistance as power remained out and temperatures climbed above 90 degrees.
Red Cross volunteers opened the cooling center and provided food and water to affected residents. Friday night, Empire CAT provided portable generators to restore power to the homes while repairs continued. The Golconda Fire Department also provided smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to help protect residents. The Red Cross closed the cooling center later that night after the generators were put in place.
Red Cross Responds to Home Fires Across Northern Nevada
Red Cross disaster teams respond to home fires across Northern Nevada, providing emergency assistance when residents are forced from their homes. Since 2020, Red Cross teams have responded to 632 home fires and helped 2,318 people across Northern Nevada.
In 2025, Red Cross volunteers responded to 85 home fires and assisted 271 people. So far this year, volunteers have responded to 51 home fires and helped 134 people. Trained disaster volunteers provide support after home fires, including temporary shelter, emotional support and help connecting residents with recovery resources.
Become a Red Cross Disaster Volunteer
Red Cross disaster volunteers help people after emergencies such as home fires, providing comfort and assistance. With additional training and experience, volunteers may also have opportunities to deploy to larger disaster operations across the country. Red Cross volunteers also support blood drives, assist military families and help communities prepare for emergencies. To learn more, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
Fire Safety Support
As local partners worked to support residents in Golconda, the Red Cross also encourages families across Northern Nevada to take steps to reduce the risk of home fires and prepare for emergencies. Residents can schedule free smoke alarm installations, receive fire safety information and get help creating an evacuation plan at SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
