Hawk Fire Forces 42,000 Evacuations as Blaze Approaches Reno, Nevada
Apnews · 4 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
The Hawk Fire, a rapidly spreading wildfire near Reno, Nevada, has forced the evacuation of 42,000 residents as it burned 13,000 acres with zero containment on Sunday . The human-caused fire injured six people — three civilians and three first responders — and destroyed multiple structures as it threatened northwestern neighborhoods . Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency and deployed National Guard helicopters and personnel to assist firefighters .
Key Points
- The Hawk Fire began Saturday near Hawk Meadow Trail in the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest and grew to 13,000 acres (53 square kilometers) by Sunday
- Approximately 42,000 residents received mandatory evacuation orders, with an additional 45,000 people under evacuation warning
- Six people were injured, including three civilians and three first responders, while several homes and structures were destroyed
- The "GO NOW" evacuation zone reached the edge of the University of Nevada, Reno campus, and U.S. Route 395 was closed
- Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo authorized two National Guard helicopters and 60 personnel to support firefighting operations
- About 10,000 customers were without power in Washoe County, where Reno is the county seat with a population exceeding 280,000
- Firefighters encountered extreme red flag conditions Saturday and expected similar wind-driven fire behavior Sunday afternoon
Why It Matters
The fire's proximity to Nevada's third-most-populous city and the University of Nevada campus underscores the escalating wildfire risk in the western United States during dry, windy conditions. With the fire still zero percent contained and expected to spread further, the situation highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and coordinated federal-state-local response as wildfire seasons grow increasingly severe .
The fire's proximity to Nevada's third-most-populous city and the University of Nevada campus underscores the escalating wildfire risk in the western United States during dry, windy conditions. With the fire still zero percent contained and expected to spread further, the situation highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and coordinated federal-state-local response as wildfire seasons grow increasingly severe .