Hawk Fire Forces Mass Evacuations in Reno as National Guard Deploys
A human-caused wildfire near Reno, Nevada, has forced tens of thousands to evacuate, with National Guard troops deployed.
A rapidly spreading wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada, has forced tens of thousands of residents to flee their homes, with authorities confirming the blaze is human-caused and remains uncontained.
The Hawk Fire, which ignited on Saturday, has scorched roughly 20 square miles across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The fire's rapid advance on Saturday night was so intense that it jumped over fire trucks, hampering response efforts as residents attempted to evacuate.
At least six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and officials have not released further details.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard. Sixty troops are assisting local police in safeguarding evacuated neighborhoods, while two helicopter crews support aerial firefighting efforts. Approximately 800 fire personnel are on the scene.
Evacuation orders have expanded, affecting an estimated 42,000 residents in the "GO NOW" zone, which now reaches the edge of the University of Nevada at Reno. An additional 45,000 people are under an evacuation warning and have been urged to prepare to leave for several days, as shifting and strengthening winds are expected to make the fire more unpredictable.
Emergency shelters have been set up, including the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, though pets are not permitted there. Several casinos in Reno are offering discounted hotel rates to evacuees.
Power outages have affected thousands in Washoe County, with nearly 10,000 customers still without electricity on Sunday, down from a peak of 60,000. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway, have been closed due to the fire.