Hawk Fire Forces Thousands to Evacuate as it Approaches Reno, Nevada

The fast-growing Hawk Fire prompted widespread evacuations and a state of emergency declaration as it spread from the Sierra foothills toward the center of Reno, Nevada, early Sunday. The blaze had grown to more than 10,500 acres, with nearly 14,000 homes under evacuation orders.

The "GO NOW" evacuation zone reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus. Washoe County emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center to evacuees, providing separate facilities for pets.

Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support firefighting efforts with two helicopter crews and 60 troops tasked with assisting law enforcement in securing evacuated neighborhoods.

Strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation are fueling the fire's rapid growth, according to Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue. Approximately 400 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies are working on the incident, utilizing both ground crews and air resources.

Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County lost power Sunday. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway, were closed due to the fire. Reno is home to more than 280,000 residents.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents to evacuate immediately if ordered, stating that structures had already burned and that prompt evacuation allows firefighters to focus on battling the blaze.

This incident follows earlier wildfires north of Reno that, fueled by hot, dry, and windy conditions earlier in the month, forced more than 13,000 residents to evacuate.

The University of Nevada's Reno campus was situated just outside the evacuation zone on Sunday morning. University officials have established an emergency response plan should conditions change. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained unaffected, though the smaller Reno-Stead Airport was closed to general aviation traffic but remained open for firefighting aircraft.

Authorities were also monitoring a county detention facility located several blocks from the outer edge of the evacuation warning area, with plans in place for potential evacuation.