A fast-moving wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada, has prompted authorities to urge around 90,000 residents to evacuate, with at least six people injured, according to officials. The Hawk Fire, which started Saturday, quickly expanded to 20 square miles across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, destroying homes and businesses near the California state line.
The blaze moved at an extraordinary speed Saturday night, leaping over fire engines and obstructing emergency responders trying to reach hotspots while residents fled. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam described how shifting winds sent flames in multiple directions, causing confusion among responders. Multiple structures were destroyed, and those injured included three civilians alongside three first responders.
Approximately 42,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders after the ‘GO NOW’ zone expanded to the edge of the University of Nevada at Reno. An additional 45,000 people were placed in an adjacent warning zone. Officials urged everyone to leave and prepare to stay away for several days, as shifting and intensifying winds were expected to make the blaze even more unpredictable. ‘Please get out if you can right now,’ the sheriff said.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard, which includes two helicopter crews for aerial firefighting and 60 troops helping police protect evacuated neighborhoods. Nearly 10,000 customers remained without power in Washoe County on Sunday, down from 60,000 on Saturday. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway, were closed.
Emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center for evacuees, though pets were not allowed. Casinos in Reno offered room discounts to displaced residents. Strong, gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation are continuing to fuel the blaze, according to Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in Reno. The cause of the fire, which is believed to be human-caused, remains under investigation.
