Fast-moving wildfire has destroyed homes, injured six people, and forced the closure of U.S. 395 as extreme winds drive flames through the Sierra foothills. A fast-moving wildfire has exploded across the mountains west of Reno, Nevada, destroying homes and forcing authorities to evacuate or warn approximately 90,000 people as strong, shifting winds drive the flames through dry vegetation.
The Hawk Fire, which began Saturday, August 22, near Peavine Peak in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, grew to more than 23 square miles (60 square kilometers) by Sunday and remained 0% contained, according to the Associated Press. At least six people, including three civilians and three first responders, have been injured. The fire has rapidly pushed toward populated areas of northwest Reno, with the mandatory evacuation zone expanding toward the University of Nevada, Reno. Approximately 42,000 people have been ordered to evacuate, while another 45,000 are in an adjacent evacuation warning zone.
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam urged residents in threatened areas to leave immediately. “Please get out if you can right now,” Balaam said.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the fire rapidly expanded.
“Please heed all warnings from local officials, evacuate immediately if you are ordered to do so, and do not put yourself or first responders at risk.”
— Joe Lombardo, Nevada Governor
The Hawk Fire has already become destructive, with an undetermined number of homes and other structures destroyed. Firefighters have struggled to reach hotspots as the blaze races through rugged terrain and residential areas. The fire moved so quickly Saturday night that flames reportedly jumped over fire trucks, forcing crews to retreat from some areas, according to Sheriff Balaam.
The extreme fire behavior has been driven by strong and shifting winds, low humidity and exceptionally dry vegetation. Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue Chief Richard Edwards described the situation as highly dynamic. “The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it’s being driven by the winds,” Edwards said. “The wind-driven fires move very rapidly into our residential areas, creating a lot of challenges for our firefighters to save homes and protect lives.” Washoe Sheriff’s Office warned on Sunday evening that the fire could continue making moderate- to high-intensity runs through areas of dense fuels.
The evacuation footprint has expanded rapidly since the fire began. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office issued an urgent warning as new mandatory evacuation orders were added around the Somersett community:
“EVACUATE NOW – GO NOW”
The orders included areas north of Somersett Parkway toward Robb Drive and neighborhoods north of West 7th Street toward North McCarran Boulevard.
The evacuation response has also strained local shelters. The Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center filled, prompting authorities to open Hall 4 of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center as an additional evacuation site. Separate facilities have been established for small and large animals. Officials have warned evacuees to prepare to remain away from their homes for several days.
The fire has also disrupted one of the region’s major transportation corridors. Northbound U.S. 395 is closed from Parr Boulevard to Red Rock Road, while southbound traffic at Bordertown is being turned around before reaching White Lake. Southbound 395 remains open from Red Rock Road into Reno, according to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. Earlier in the incident, authorities closed northbound 395 beginning at Parr Boulevard and directed evacuees to use the highway to travel north out of threatened areas. For current road closures, check official government updates. The police are urging motorists to avoid the area and monitor changing evacuation zones and road closures. Washoe County has set up a dedicated Facebook page for the Hawk Fire for residents.
Approximately 800 firefighters were working on the Hawk Fire Sunday, supported by aircraft and additional state resources. Local and federal firefighters are being supported by wildfire crews from Australia and New Zealand, in particular the wildfire specialists from NSW Parks and Wildlife. “We’re incredibly grateful for the experience, expertise and hard work these crews are bringing to our community. They’ve come a long way to help, and we appreciate them jumping right in alongside our local, state and federal partners,” Truckee Meadow Fire Protection District said. Lombardo has also mobilized the Nevada National Guard, including two helicopter crews for aerial firefighting and approximately 60 troops to help protect evacuated neighborhoods.
The fire has been confirmed as human-caused, although officials have not said whether it was accidental or intentional. The exact cause remains under investigation.
This is a developing story and we will endeavor to keep you updated as information becomes available.
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