A fast-moving wildfire, designated the Hawk Fire, is threatening homes in northwest Reno, Nevada, prompting the evacuation of approximately 90,000 residents and resulting in at least six injuries. The blaze began Saturday and has consumed an estimated 20 square miles of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest with no containment reported.
Rapid Spread and Evacuations
The fire's rapid progression on Saturday night made it difficult for emergency responders to reach hotspots and for residents to evacuate. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam described the situation as extremely confusing due to shifting winds that sent flames in multiple directions. As of Sunday, approximately 42,000 residents were under mandatory evacuation orders, with an additional 45,000 in an adjacent warning zone. Sheriff Balaam urged even those in the warning zone to leave early to avoid potential traffic congestion on more than a dozen closed roadways.
Northwest Specialty Hospital, located within the warning area, has begun evacuating patients and staff as a precautionary measure. The University of Nevada is also providing assistance to affected students and has an evacuation plan in place should conditions worsen.
Destruction and Impact
Several structures have been destroyed by the fire. Cari Kieffer described losing her home entirely, with only a scorched basketball hoop remaining. She recounted fleeing her home as flames advanced down the hillside, managing to grab only a few essential items and family mementos. Another resident, Rick Arrate, was forced to evacuate his home on Peavine Mountain with only his two golden retrievers.
At the peak of the fire activity on Saturday, nearly 10,000 homes and businesses were without power in Washoe County. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway, were closed. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center has been opened as a shelter for evacuees, though pets were not permitted. Local casinos offered discounted hotel rooms for those displaced by the fire.
Official Response
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support firefighting efforts, deploying two helicopter crews and 60 troops to assist law enforcement in securing evacuated neighborhoods. Approximately 800 firefighters are responding to the wildfire.
Authorities received initial reports of the fire off Hawk Meadow Trail around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday. Officials have classified the fire as human-caused, though it remains unclear if arson is suspected. Firefighters are working under extreme red flag conditions, characterized by warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, which heighten wildfire risks. Wind gusts are expected to increase throughout the week, according to the National Weather Service. Governor Lombardo urged vigilance in affected areas, and Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve emphasized that resident safety is paramount.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that his team is monitoring the situation near the Nevada-California border and coordinating with state and local partners. He advised residents in impacted areas to follow guidance from emergency officials.