A rapidly spreading wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada, destroyed homes and posed challenges for firefighting crews on Sunday. The fire, known as the Hawk Fire, was human-caused and led to the evacuation of approximately 90,000 individuals. Six people, including first responders and civilians, sustained injuries.
The blaze, which started on Saturday, quickly expanded to over 60 square kilometers in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near the California state line. Evacuation orders affected 42,000 residents in the “GO NOW” zone, with an additional 45,000 people in the evacuation warning zone.
Authorities issued urgent pleas for residents to evacuate immediately due to unpredictable winds fueling the fire’s growth. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam emphasized the importance of leaving the area promptly.
One resident, Cari Kieffer, shared her heartbreaking experience of losing her home to the fire, leaving her family with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The fire’s rapid spread caught many off guard, forcing them to flee with only essential belongings.
The Nevada National Guard was mobilized to assist in firefighting efforts, with Governor Joe Lombardo declaring a state of emergency in Washoe County. Nearly 800 fire personnel were deployed to combat the flames.
Power outages affected nearly 10,000 customers in Washoe County, with sections of U.S. Route 395 closed due to the fire. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center was opened as an evacuation shelter, although pets were not allowed. Reno casinos offered accommodations to evacuees at discounted rates.
The fire’s sudden escalation underscored the extreme fire conditions in the region, exacerbated by months of dry weather and limited snowfall. The University of Nevada and local hospitals were on high alert, with evacuation plans in place if necessary.
The fire’s swift and erratic behavior, fueled by shifting winds, posed significant challenges for responders and residents alike. Washoe County officials urged vigilance and readiness in the face of the ongoing wildfire threat.