Northwest Specialty Hospital in Reno, Nevada, has begun evacuating patients due to the fast-moving Hawk Fire, which has consumed over 10,500 acres and remains zero percent contained as of Sunday morning. The fire started Saturday outside of Reno and is moving toward the city center.
"The safety and well-being of our rehabilitation and behavioral health patients and staff remain the highest priority and we are evacuating out of an abundance of caution," the hospital said in a statement. Patients have been transferred to other locations to ensure their care continues uninterrupted. Families have been notified, and the hospital is cooperating with first responders.
Governor Joe Lombardo of Nevada declared a state of emergency for Washoe County, where Reno is located, due to the "active and rapidly evolving situation." The fire is described as spreading quickly and threatening homes and structures.
Evacuation orders, including "Go Now" directives, were issued for areas north and northwest of Somersett, north of Verdi, and the west sides of Golden Valley, Lemmon Valley, and Stead. Approximately 6,000 residents are under evacuation directives, with some areas advised to "get set" to leave.
The Hawk Fire originated around 11:30 a.m. on Saturday approximately one mile north of Cold Creek Trail, near Somersett. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve reported that structures have already been damaged by the fire, urging residents to prioritize their safety and evacuate promptly to allow firefighters to focus on combating the blaze.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office posted an alert on X, accompanied by an image of a large smoke plume, advising residents to "GO NOW." An evacuation center has been established at Hall 4 of the Reno Sparks Convention Center.
The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District indicated the fire was moving northeast and threatened an estimated 1,000 homes. U.S. Route 395 was closed in both directions between Parr Boulevard and Red Rock Road due to the fire.