A rapidly intensifying wildfire, identified as the Hawk fire, has expanded to cover more than 13,000 acres near Reno, Nevada, prompting widespread emergency evacuations. The blaze, fueled by gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, pushed from the Sierra foothills toward the center of the city, forcing nearly 42,000 residents to flee their homes. An additional 45,000 people have been placed under an evacuation warning, with authorities urging them to prepare to leave and keep roads clear for emergency personnel.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve issued a firm directive on Saturday night, stating that structures had already been destroyed and emphasizing that human life takes precedence over property. She urged residents not to wait if they have been instructed to evacuate, noting that early departures allow firefighters to focus on containment. Currently, approximately 400 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies are engaged in the firefighting effort, supported by Nevada National Guard troops and two helicopter crews deployed under a state of emergency declared by Governor Joe Lombardo.
Casualties have been reported, with authorities confirming injuries to three civilians and three first responders. The fire has significantly impacted local infrastructure, leaving nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County without power. Several sections of US Route 395 remain closed, and at least 20 road closures were active as of Sunday afternoon.
While the University of Nevada, Reno campus remained just outside the evacuation zone on Sunday morning, the school has activated an emergency response plan in anticipation of changing conditions. The university, which serves approximately 24,000 students, is scheduled to begin classes on 24 August, though new students have been moving in since 13 August. Reno-Tahoe International Airport remains operational, though the smaller Reno-Stead airport has been closed to general aviation to prioritize firefighting aircraft.
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam confirmed that officials are monitoring a county detention facility located near the edge of the evacuation warning area, with contingency plans in place should an evacuation become necessary. To assist those displaced, the Reno-Sparks Convention Center has been opened, and local casinos are providing hotel discounts. Pet owners have been directed to two designated facilities for animal care. This incident follows a series of wildfires earlier this month that displaced more than 13,000 residents in the region.
A fast-moving Nevada wildfire exploded to more than 13,000 acres (5,200 hectares) early on Sunday, pushing from the Sierra foothills toward the center of Reno and forcing nearly 42,000 residents to evacuate as flames threatened neighborhoods and reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus.
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe county and mobilized the Nevada national guard. Two helicopter crews were deployed to support aerial firefighting operations, while 60 troops were assigned to help police safeguard evacuated neighborhoods. However winds were whipping the flames in different
