State fire marshal investigating Fallon fire

A GoFundMe page created for three Churchill County residents who died in a Reno Highway house fire one week ago is collecting donations to help the family with funerals and other expenses.

Although the Churchill County Sheriff’s Office or the Nevada State Police haven’t officially released the names, the GoFundMe page was created for Brittney Wright by Jacob Taylor. 

The fire killed a mother and her two daughters.

“This was an amazing family that was always willing to help and they always seemed to be happy,” Wright said on the GoFundMe page. “You would rarely catch them not smiling. This is an extremely tragic loss that no one could have seen coming.”

The goal is to raise $20,000 for the family. Wright said the three individuals will be missed.

The Nevada State Fire Marshal has begun an investigation of the fire and is working with the CCSO. The Nevada State Police handled the initial report of the fire which occurred at a small trailer park on 4333 Reno Highway.

Sheriff Richard Hickox said after Churchill Fire Department arrived, firefighters began searching for trapped residents.

Fire Chief Jared Dooley said the fire department received a report at 2:19 a.m. of a double wide mobile home on fire with four occupants possibly trapped.

“The department had units on scene within 3 minutes of the fire page,” Dooley said. “The total response for the structure fire was 23 firefighters manning two fire engines, one fire truck, a water tender, a rapid response Type 6 and two command vehicles.”

Hickox described the situation with the residents.

“When the flames were extinguished, three people were located inside the burnt residence, the fourth had made it outside,” Hickox said. “The three individuals trapped inside the residence were transported to Banner Churchill Community Hospital, all three were later pronounced deceased.”

Hickox said the people who died in the fire were 42, 13 and 9 years old.

“Names are not being released,” Hickox said. “We ask that you keep the surviving family members and their friends in your thoughts and prayers.”

Dooley said the home was further searched for more occupants.

“Upon finding no other occupants, the fire department extinguished the blaze and overhauled the premises to completely extinguish the fire,” he said.

Dooley said Nevada State Fire Marshal Investigation Team was notified at 3:54 a.m.

People on the Lahontan Valley News Facebook page have posted messages including this one from Ali Carrera.

“I'm so sorry for this, my heart just hurts. One of the girls is my daughter's best friend. She was such a beautiful and sweet girl. She was so funny and I had the privilege to take her and my daughter to the movies and to dinner. Mom was very sweet and kind and she trusted me with her daughter.”

The Churchill County School District provided counseling on Friday for students. The school district also included information about Care Solace.

“If you or a family member would like help finding a mental health care or substance use treatment provider, contact Care Solace, a complimentary and confidential coordination service provided by Churchill County School District for all students, staff AND their family members.

“Call 888-515-0595. Multilingual support is available every day of the year.

“Visit caresolace.com/churchillcsd and either search on your own or click ‘Book Appointment’ for assistance by video chat, email or phone.”