Washoe County Regional Animal Services says every one of the more than 300 animals it sheltered during the Hawk Fire was reunited with its owner within two days, despite the shelter being pushed well past capacity.

Shelter supervisor Arthur Westbrook said the facility took in 155 dogs and 87 cats on top of the animals it was already housing, reports Fox Reno.

“During the Hawk Fire we actually took in over 300 animals at our shelter, which put us at capacity pretty quick,” Westbrook said.

We’ve followed the Hawk Fire’s impact on Nevada pets closely since it broke out on August 22, including the shelter’s own tally of 155 dogs evacuated and Washoe County’s decision to waive fees for cremating pets that didn’t survive the fire.

With traditional kennel space full, staff set up animals in nontraditional areas, including crates inside a classroom at the shelter.

The response also drained supplies fast.

“We pretty much used a month’s worth of supplies in a week,” Westbrook said.

Animal welfare organizations involved in the response said one of the biggest lessons from this year’s fire season is the ongoing need for more volunteers and foster families in Washoe County.

That need is likely to persist beyond the Hawk Fire itself, since Northern Nevada has already seen three major wildfires this summer, including the Bug Fire and the Stallion Fire near Pyramid Lake.

Nevada pet owners interested in fostering or volunteering with Washoe County Regional Animal Services can reach the shelter directly at its Longley Lane facility in Reno to learn about current needs and how to get involved before the next wildfire season tests the system again.