RENO, Nev. — A rapidly growing wildfire swept through the Sierra foothills toward Reno early Sunday, forcing thousands of people from their homes as firefighters battled flames driven by strong, shifting winds.
The Hawk Fire had grown beyond 13,000 acres and remained 0% contained Sunday morning, according to officials. The blaze was burning across rugged terrain in the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest near Peavine Mountain, an area surrounded by homes and businesses.
Some structures had already been destroyed as the fire moved through the area.
Officials urged residents in the most dangerous areas to leave immediately as the fire continued spreading in multiple directions.
Thousands Ordered to Evacuate
The most serious evacuation area, designated a “GO NOW” zone, included approximately 42,000 residents. The evacuation area reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus.
Another 45,000 people were in an evacuation warning zone and were encouraged to leave and prepare to remain away from their homes for several days.
Officials said evacuations were also necessary to keep roads open for emergency vehicles and allow firefighters to move through threatened communities.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents not to wait until the flames were closer.
“If you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait!” Schieve said in a statement posted on social media late Saturday night. “Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building.”
Strong Winds Make Firefighting More Difficult
The Hawk Fire apparently began Saturday before growing rapidly throughout the day.
According to Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue, strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation helped fuel the fire’s rapid growth.
Richard Edwards, chief of Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in Washoe County, described the situation as especially challenging because the flames were being driven by changing winds.
“The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it’s being driven by the winds,” Edwards said in a video posted to social media.
“The wind-driven fires move very rapidly into our residential areas, creating a lot of challenges for our firefighters to save homes and protect lives.”
The changing wind direction was making it difficult for crews to predict where the fire would move next.
Six People Injured as Emergency Response Expands
Officials said six people had been injured, including three emergency responders.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and activated the Nevada National Guard to assist with the response.
Two helicopter crews were mobilized to support aerial firefighting operations, while 60 National Guard troops were assigned to help police protect evacuated neighborhoods.
Lombardo urged residents to follow evacuation orders as the situation continued to change.
“This is an active and rapidly evolving situation, and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials,” Lombardo said.
Power Outages, Highway Closures and School Cancellations
The fire’s impact extended beyond the evacuation zones.
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Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County were without power Sunday, while portions of U.S. Route 395, an important north-south highway, were closed because of the wildfire.
Washoe County School District officials also announced that classes at all but one school would be canceled Monday. The cancellations were tied to evacuations, pressure on regional public safety resources and the need to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Evacuees were directed to the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, although officials said pets could not be brought to that shelter. Separate locations were designated for small and large animals.
The Northwest Specialty Hospital also evacuated all patients as a precaution.
Reno Airport Operations Continue
The Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the evacuation zone, and commercial flights were operating normally Sunday.
The smaller Reno-Stead Airport, however, was closed to general aviation traffic because of the fire. It remained available for firefighting aircraft supporting the response.
Casinos in Reno also offered discounted hotel rooms to people displaced by the wildfire.
Human Cause Suspected as Investigation Continues
Authorities said the Hawk Fire is believed to have been caused by a person, although the investigation remains ongoing.
The latest emergency comes after three other wildfires earlier this month forced more than 13,000 people north of Reno to leave their homes, according to the Nevada National Guard.
With the Hawk Fire continuing to spread and winds remaining a major concern, officials are urging residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders and stay away until authorities determine it is safe to return.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the Hawk Fire? Share your experience or thoughts in the comments.
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