Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, forces about 90,000 people under evacuation orders and warnings
A fast-moving wildfire near Reno has burned more than 10,500 acres, forcing about 90,000 people into evacuation orders or warnings as strong winds drive the blaze towards residential areas.
- About 90,000 people are under evacuation orders or warnings as the Hawk Fire spreads near Reno.
- The fire has burned more than 10,500 acres with containment remaining at zero per cent.
- At least six people have been injured, while homes and other structures have been destroyed.
A fast-moving wildfire near Reno, Nevada, has forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, with local police working alongside firefighters and National Guard personnel to evacuate residents and protect properties as strong winds continue to drive the blaze.
The Hawk Fire began on 22 August near Hawk Meadow Trail in the Somersett area, north-west of Reno. By 23 August, the fire had burned more than 10,500 acres, with around 400 personnel involved in the response. Authorities said the fire was human-caused, although the circumstances remained under investigation.
Approximately 42,000 residents were under mandatory evacuation orders, while another 45,000 people were in areas where they had been told to prepare to leave, bringing the number of people affected by evacuation measures to about 90,000.
Reno police help evacuate hundreds
The Reno Police Department said its officers had been working around the clock to help residents leave areas affected by the fire.
In a statement posted on its official Instagram account, Reno Police said officers had helped evacuate hundreds of people during the previous night, working alongside other first responders to move residents to safety.
Police urged people in the Yellow Zone to prepare a bag containing essential items, including important documents, medicines and other necessities in case they were ordered to leave.
Residents in the Red Zone were told to be prepared to leave immediately.
Police also warned evacuated residents not to return to their homes until authorities officially declared the areas safe.
“With fires of this magnitude, seconds matter,” the department said in its public warning.
The department said officers would continue working with other first responders and National Guard personnel to protect homes and maintain public safety while evacuations remained in effect.
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Fire spreads rapidly under strong winds
The Hawk Fire expanded rapidly across the Peavine Peak area after starting on Saturday.
Emergency officials said strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation were contributing to difficult firefighting conditions. The official incident update on 23 August estimated the fire at 10,522 acres and said containment remained at zero per cent.
Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue Chief Richard Edwards described the incident as highly dynamic because the wind was pushing the flames quickly towards residential areas.
The fire also crossed US Route 395, prompting authorities to close sections of the major road and divert traffic. Emergency officials urged residents to avoid affected areas and leave access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
At least six people injured
At least six people have been injured in the fire, including three civilians and three first responders. Several homes and other structures have also been destroyed, although authorities have not yet established the full extent of the damage.
The fire has also caused widespread power disruptions. About 10,000 homes and businesses remained without electricity on Sunday, according to reports.
Two hospitals evacuated patients as a precaution, while authorities monitored conditions around the county jail in case it also needed to be evacuated.
Nevada declares state of emergency
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County on 22 August as the fire spread and evacuation orders expanded.
The declaration directed state agencies to work through the Nevada Emergency Operations Centre to support local emergency operations.
The Nevada National Guard was also mobilised, with helicopters and troops deployed to assist with firefighting, security and public safety. Lombardo urged residents to follow evacuation orders and warnings issued by local officials.
More than 400 personnel from local, state and federal agencies were involved in the response, supported by aerial firefighting resources. International resources were also involved in the wider firefighting effort.
Airport remains open as roads close
Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the evacuation zone and continued normal flight operations.
However, several roads were closed as the fire threatened communities and emergency services moved residents away from affected areas.
US Route 395 was closed in sections, while additional closures affected North Virginia Street, Stead Boulevard, Mae Anne Avenue and other roads around northern Reno.
An evacuation shelter was established at the Reno-Sparks Convention Centre, while local agencies also arranged assistance for displaced residents and their animals.
Residents urged not to return
Reno police have urged residents who have evacuated to remain outside the affected areas until officials confirm that it is safe to return.
The department said officers would continue patrolling evacuated neighbourhoods with other emergency responders and National Guard personnel.
Authorities have also asked residents in warning zones to keep essential belongings ready and remain alert because fire conditions and evacuation boundaries can change quickly.
The official Washoe County emergency update said the fire was being fought by a unified command involving the US Forest Service, Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and Reno Fire Department.
As firefighters continued working to contain the blaze, authorities warned that strong afternoon winds and dry conditions could allow the fire to spread rapidly.
