Wildfire in northwest Reno forces tens of thousands to evacuate as winds shift

A fast-moving wildfire that began Saturday in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest spread to more than 23 square miles on Sunday, prompting authorities to order the evacuation of roughly 42,000 residents in a “GO NOW” zone and place an additional 45,000 people in a warning zone. The fire, described as having zero containment, jumped over fire trucks and was fueled by shifting, strengthening winds that pushed flames through dry brush.

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam urged residents to leave immediately, saying, "Please get out if you can right now." The sheriff added that the changing winds made the situation “extremely confusing.”

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washou County and activated the Nevada National Guard, deploying two helicopter crews for aerial suppression and 60 troops to assist police. About 800 fire personnel were on the scene, and power outages affected nearly 10,000 customers.

The blaze injured six individuals, including three first responders and three civilians. Officials said the fire was human-caused, though details on its origin were not released.

Residents reported significant property loss. One homeowner, Cari Kieffer, said a video showed her house completely burned, leaving only a scorched basketball hoop standing. She described fleeing with limited belongings as the fire advanced rapidly toward her neighborhood.

Local businesses and facilities responded to the evacuation. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center opened as a shelter for evacuees, though pets were directed to separate locations. Several Reno casinos offered discounted hotel rooms to those displaced.

The fire also forced the temporary closure of portions of U.S. Route 395 and prompted evacuations at the University of Nevada and two hospitals. Authorities warned that the fire could continue to produce moderate to high-intensity runs in dense fuel pockets over the next 12 hours.