Fires send Californians to Yuma in search of places to stay

Californians forced from their homes by wildfires traveled as far as Yuma Sunday night and Monday in search of places to stay. But if they were looking for hotel rooms, they weren't always in luck.

"They've evacuated something like 250,000 people and some of them are heading this way," said Rebecca Miller, convention and tourism sales manager for the Yuma Visitors Bureau, which was fielding calls throughout the day Monday from evacuees looking for a place to stay.

Miller said, however, it was difficult finding space for these people due to two events under way in the city.

The Yuma Proving Ground's Precision Airdrop Technology Conference and Demonstration on Thursday has drawn many to area hotels.

Personnel are also in town for the Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructors training course.

Miller said the bureau was referring people wherever it could find space. They have even sent some to hotels in Wellton, where more rooms are available.

Hampton Inn and Suites took in two evacuees Sunday night and another five on Monday, General Manager Jeanine Rhea said.

As of Monday afternoon, the Hampton Inn was completely booked, Rhea said, adding she had placed five persons on a waiting list in case there were any cancellations.

The Hampton Inn received between 30 and 40 telephone calls Sunday night and Monday from evacuees inquiring about accommodations, but the hotel had to refer them elsewhere, Rhea said.

The Springhill Suites received at least a dozen telephone calls from evacuees asking for reservations, Liz Griner, the general manager, said. Springhill was also booked and Griner tried to locate bookings elsewhere, including El Centro, but the hotels she contacted were also full, she said.

Yuma's Super Motel 8 also took in California evacuees, said Linda Swain, the assistant manager.

"We've had couples check into rooms available by early check-outs today," she said. "Two of the truck drivers called their companies in San Diego and were told to stay in Yuma two more days because the big semis are being stopped at Ocotillo Wells and can't get through.

"One couple had been on a boat out in the bay and learned about the fires, so they said they took their dog, got into a car and headed for Yuma. This afternoon they're just relaxing," she said. "Like all motels, we're full, because of so many things going on."

Sheri Doney, manager of the Shilo Inn, was trying to find accommodations for both two-legged and four-legged guests.

"We had four guests in two rooms" at the Shilo, she said. "The father of one person went back to San Diego because there was a family dog still there. We know fires are burning in the Temecula and Ramona areas.

"My daughter Gina Kereluk, who works in the YRMC emergency room, has called friends in the fire area to let veterinarians know we (personally) have four empty horse stalls and an empty pasture so people can bring their animals here," Doney said.

"The room situation is similar to 2003 when we had an influx of people from fires. In Yuma there are two large events going on that have filled our rooms. We have been receiving calls, and helping as much as possible."

Yvonne Peach, co-owner of Best Western Coronado Motel, said several of her California guests returned home to remove their possessions from homes near the fires.

"We have had about four of our guests who had to leave today because their homes in the San Diego area are being evacuated because of the fire," Peach said. "These people were scheduled to stay longer, but had to leave.

"These guests are business people. We have had several guests ask about traveling conditions back to San Diego."

Those rooms were reoccupied later in the day, Peach said. "We are already full, but I don't know if all are fire-related."

Her hotel has 127 rooms, 15 of which are undergoing remodeling.

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Staff Writers Sarah Reynolds, William Roller and Pam Smith contributed to this report.