A fast-moving human-caused wildfire, known as the Hawk Fire, is threatening homes in northwest Reno, Nevada, prompting evacuations for approximately 90,000 people and injuring at least six individuals. The fire, which began Saturday, has consumed 20 square miles in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and remains uncontained.
The blaze spread rapidly Saturday night, overwhelming response efforts and making it difficult for firefighters to reach hot spots while residents attempted to flee. Changing winds have contributed to the fire's erratic movement. Several structures have been destroyed, and six people, including three civilians and three first responders, have sustained injuries.
Approximately 42,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, with the "GO NOW" zone extending to the edge of the University of Nevada campus. An additional 45,000 people are in an adjacent evacuation warning zone, and officials are urging them to leave proactively to avoid traffic congestion. More than a dozen roadways are closed, including portions of the major north-south highway, US Route 395.
Northwest Specialty Hospital, located within the warning area, has begun evacuating patients. Hospital officials are working with emergency responders to close the facility and notify families. The University of Nevada is providing support to affected students and has an evacuation plan in place should conditions worsen.
Power outages impacted nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County on Sunday, a decrease from the previous day's peak. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center has been opened as a shelter for evacuees, though pets are not permitted. Local casinos have offered discounted hotel rooms for those displaced by the fire.
For some residents, the fire has already meant total loss. Cari Kieffer described her family losing their home and all possessions, with only a scorched basketball hoop remaining. She recounted the rapid advance of the flames and the chaotic evacuation, managing to save only a few items.
Jaida Hargrove's grandfather, Rick Arrate, was also forced to evacuate his home on Peavine Mountain, managing to take only his two golden retrievers as winds shifted rapidly.
Authorities received the first reports of the fire on Hawk Meadow Trail around 11:15 a.m. Saturday. The fire is categorized as human-made, though arson is not specified. Firefighters are contending with extreme weather conditions, including high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, which are expected to persist.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard, deploying helicopter crews and troops to assist with firefighting efforts and secure evacuated neighborhoods. Approximately 800 fire personnel are responding to the blaze.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that his team is closely monitoring the situation along the Nevada-California border and coordinating with state and local partners. Officials are urging residents in affected areas to follow guidance from emergency management.