Human-Caused Wildfire in Northwest Reno Spurs Mass Evacuation

A human-caused wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada destroyed homes and prompted evacuation orders for approximately 90,000 people, authorities confirmed on Sunday. The Hawk Fire injured at least six individuals and remains uncontained.

Fire Facts and Response

The fire ignited on Saturday and rapidly expanded to 20 square miles, impacting the Peavine Peak area within the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest. This region is where rugged hills meet residential and business zones on the Nevada side of the California border. Sheriff Darin Balaam of Washoe County described the chaotic scene as the fire spread rapidly, leaping over fire trucks.

Changing winds created confusion, forcing flames in multiple directions, making response efforts challenging. – Sheriff Darin Balaam

Injuries included three civilians and three first responders. Authorities launched investigations into the cause but have not shared details yet.

Evacuation Efforts Amplified

Approximately 42,000 residents have been under evacuation orders, with the zone extending to the University of Nevada’s boundary. Another 45,000 individuals fall within the newly expanded warning zone. Officials strongly encouraged all residents to evacuate and anticipate a prolonged absence due to unpredictable weather conditions.

Please get out if you can right now. – Sheriff Darin Balaam

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County, deploying the Nevada National Guard. Two helicopter crews and 60 troops assist in aerial firefighting and neighborhood security. Support also comes from 800 fire personnel.

Impact and Community Response

Electricity outages affected nearly 10,000 customers on Sunday, a reduction from the 60,000 affected the previous day. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a primary north-south highway, were closed. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center offered shelter to evacuees, though pets had to be housed separately.

In response to the situation, casinos in Reno offered discounted hotel accommodations to those displaced.

Personal Accounts

Cari Kieffer’s family home was destroyed, leaving only a scorched basketball hoop. Delays in tracking the fire’s progress led to last-minute evacuations, resulting in lost belongings and essential documents. Her evacuation was so rapid that cherished items like family birth certificates and childhood photos were left behind.

Jaida Hargrove shared her grandfather Rick Arrate’s experience. Living on Peavine Mountain, he had to evacuate quickly with his dogs as the winds shifted, despite prior efforts by firefighters to secure the area.

Ted Melden, a recent Reno resident, has encountered multiple natural disasters since moving from South Carolina. Despite past experiences, Melden remains prepared for further evacuation, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of such emergencies.

David Barb returned from a hunting trip to find his taxidermy shop leveled, though his home was saved through the quick action of a landscaping company.

Additional Precautions

The University of Nevada narrowly escaped the evacuation zone, with many students beginning their term this weekend. Emergency measures included relocating hospital patients and close monitoring of the county jail for further evacuation needs.