A rapidly spreading wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada, destroyed homes on Sunday, posing challenges for firefighting crews due to shifting winds. Approximately 90,000 individuals were urged to evacuate as the fire, known as the Hawk Fire, expanded to over 60 square kilometers in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The fire, which officials deemed “human-caused,” resulted in injuries to six people, including three first responders and three civilians.
The evacuation zone, labeled as “GO NOW,” encompassed around 42,000 residents, extending to the University of Nevada’s vicinity, with an additional 45,000 individuals in the adjacent evacuation warning area. Residents were implored to leave immediately and prepare to stay away for several days due to the expected unpredictable fire behavior caused by the windy conditions.
Witnesses described scenes of devastation, with one resident, Cari Kieffer, sharing how her house was completely destroyed, leaving her family with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The fire spread rapidly, catching residents off guard and prompting hasty evacuations.
Emergency measures were swiftly implemented, with Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declaring a state of emergency in Washoe County and deploying the Nevada National Guard to assist in firefighting efforts. Additionally, power outages affected nearly 10,000 customers in Washoe County, with parts of U.S. Route 395 closed due to the wildfire.
The Reno-Sparks Convention Center was opened as an evacuation shelter for displaced individuals, although pets were not allowed. The community rallied together, with casinos offering discounted accommodations to evacuees. The fire’s sudden escalation underscored the ongoing wildfire threats faced in the region due to dry conditions and adverse weather patterns.