Hawk Fire Threatens Reno With Swift Spread and Evacuations

RENO, Nevada — The burgeoning Hawk Fire expanded swiftly from the Sierra foothills towards central Reno on Sunday morning, reaching over 10,500 acres. Authorities ordered evacuations for nearly 14,000 homes as the “GO NOW” zone extended up to the University of Nevada campus’s edge.

“The wind really blew it up,” said resident Tyler Duvall, who found himself in the evacuation zone after camping over the weekend.

Washoe County emergency officials opened Reno-Sparks Convention Center as a shelter, although evacuees were instructed to leave pets at designated sites separate from the center.

Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County. He mobilized the Nevada National Guard, deploying two helicopter crews for aerial fire suppression and 60 troops for neighborhood protection.

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue reported that strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation accelerated the fire’s growth. Currently, 400 personnel from local, state, and federal agencies are engaged in combating the fire, using both ground teams and air resources.

Almost 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County lost power due to the fire. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a vital north-south route, were closed.

Amidst the crisis, Reno’s casinos provided discounted hotel rooms to evacuees. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents to leave without delay if evacuation orders are received, emphasizing the priority of personal safety over property security.

“Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building,” Schieve said.

Retired police officer and firefighter Ted Melden expressed familiarity with such disasters following various natural calamities since his recent relocation to Reno from South Carolina. Despite not being required to evacuate, Melden has packed his bags in anticipation.

With the University of Nevada’s Reno campus near the evacuation border, officials have a contingency plan if the circumstances worsen. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport continued operating commercial flights, though Reno-Stead Airport closed to general traffic, serving exclusively firefighting aircraft.

Authorities monitored a detention facility located blocks from the evacuation zone. Sheriff Darin Balaam assured that plans are in place for evacuating inmates if necessary.

Earlier, three wildfires prompted evacuations of over 13,000 residents from their homes north of Reno. Such incidents underscore the persistent threat and the need for readiness among residents and emergency services.