Nevada wildfire forces tens of thousands to evacuate as containment remains at zero
The human-caused Hawk Fire near Reno has burned more than 15,000 acres, prompted evacuations for about 42,000 residents and left the blaze uncontained as of Aug. 24.
A fast-moving wildfire that ignited on Aug. 22 near Reno, Nevada, has scorched over 15,000 acres (about 23 square miles) and remains 0% contained, officials said. Strong winds and dry brush have driven the flames, prompting evacuation orders for roughly 42,000 people, with an additional 40,000 placed under evacuation warnings.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County, which includes Reno and the northeastern Lake Tahoe area. Local authorities opened temporary shelters, and the Washoe County school district cancelled classes. The fire, which started in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, is under investigation for its human origin.
"At least six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders," battalion chief Shane Akerson said at a briefing on Aug. 23.
More than 800 firefighters, hundreds of law-enforcement officers and National Guard units have been deployed, according to Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported abnormally dry conditions in the region, and fire officials warned that high winds and dense fuels could cause the blaze to intensify over the next 12 hours.
Residents described a chaotic evacuation, with many receiving "Go Now" alerts and traffic jams forming on roads northwest of downtown Reno. Some evacuees, including families who sought refuge at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, spent the night in temporary shelters after being ordered to leave their homes.
The Hawk Fire is one of about 200 wildfires reported nationwide on Aug. 22, with large fires also reported in 18 other states, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.