Wildfire in northwest Reno forces tens of thousands to evacuate

A rapidly spreading wildfire known as the Hawk Fire ignited Saturday in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest and expanded to over 23 square miles by Sunday, with zero containment reported. Shifting winds pushed flames through dry brush, forcing authorities to order the evacuation of roughly 42,000 residents in a “GO NOW” zone that reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus, while an additional 45,000 people remained in a warning zone.

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam urged residents to leave immediately, saying, "Please get out if you can right now." The fire injured six people, including three first responders and three civilians. Officials indicated the blaze was human-caused but did not disclose whether it was intentional or accidental.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washou County and activated the Nevada National Guard, deploying two helicopter crews for aerial suppression and 60 troops to assist police in securing evacuated neighborhoods. About 800 fire personnel were engaged in firefighting efforts. Power outages affected nearly 10,000 customers, down from 60,000 the previous day, and portions of U.S. Route 395 were closed.

The Reno-Sparks Convention Center was opened as an evacuation shelter, though pets were directed to separate facilities. Local casinos offered discounted hotel rooms to displaced residents. Reports indicated at least one home was completely destroyed, and several families, including the Kieffer family, lost personal belongings as they fled the advancing flames.

The fire’s rapid growth was attributed to strong winds, with officials warning that moderate to high-intensity runs were expected over the next 12 hours. The incident follows a pattern of heightened wildfire activity across the western United States due to prolonged drought and low snowpack.