42,000 Evacuated as Human-Caused Hawk Fire Reaches Edge of Reno – State of Emergency Declared
The 13,000-acre blaze is under investigation. Officials warn extreme red flag winds will return this afternoon as 45,000 more residents prepare to flee.
RENO, Nevada — Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes this weekend as a fast-moving, human-caused wildfire reached the outskirts of Nevada’s third-largest city.
About 42,000 residents have been displaced or are under active evacuation orders, with an additional 45,000 on “be prepared to evacuate” status as the Hawk Fire threatened northern Reno, Washoe County officials said late Sunday.
Local TV footage showed flames approaching roads. Eyewitness video verified by Reuters showed thick smoke billowing over residential neighborhoods from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the University of Nevada campus in northwest Reno.
The fire has burned 13,000 acres so far and remains 0% contained, officials said at a press conference Sunday. It is human-caused and remains under investigation.
Three civilians and three first responders have been injured, said Shane Akerson, a commander leading fire and rescue operations.
Officials first received reports of a fire off Hawk Meadow Trail at about 11:15 a.m. PDT Saturday. Firefighters worked Saturday amid “extreme red flag conditions” — a combination of warm temperatures, very low humidity and strong winds that raise wildfire risk.
“We expect those same strong conditions to come back this afternoon,” said Richard Edwards, chief of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, on Sunday.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency late Saturday in Washoe County, which includes Reno and parts of Lake Tahoe.
“This is an active and rapidly evolving situation, and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials,” Lombardo said in a statement.
Lombardo authorized two National Guard helicopters and 60 National Guard personnel to support the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
The Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the evacuation area and commercial flights were operating normally Sunday, officials said, but smoke has reduced visibility across the region.
The blaze comes as the West enters peak fire season and as federal resources are stretched. Evacuation centers have been opened at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
Officials will give another update at 6 p.m. local time Sunday as winds are forecast to gust up to 35 mph.
