Fast-growing Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada forces thousands to evacuate
A fast-growing wildfire spread from the Sierra foothills toward central Reno early Sunday, prompting about 90,000 residents to evacuate or prepare to leave.
The Hawk Fire has burned through rugged terrain in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest near Peavine Mountain, where homes and businesses on the Nevada side of the California line are surrounded by flames. Some homes have been destroyed. Six people, including three responders, were injured.
The fire grew to more than 13,000 acres and was 0% contained Sunday morning. Changing winds were pushing it in different directions. Officials believe it was human-caused, but the investigation is ongoing.
A “GO NOW” zone covering 42,000 residents reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus. Another 45,000 people were under evacuation warnings and urged to leave and be prepared to stay away for several days.
Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard, including two helicopter crews for aerial firefighting and 60 troops to help police protect evacuated neighborhoods.
The fire apparently began Saturday and grew rapidly amid strong winds, low humidity and dry vegetation, Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue said. Chief Richard Edwards said wind-driven flames were moving rapidly into residential areas, creating major challenges for firefighters.
Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses lost power Sunday, and portions of U.S. Route 395 were closed. Reno has more than 280,000 residents.
Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents ordered to evacuate not to wait, saying structures had already burned and early evacuation allows firefighters to focus on protecting lives and homes.
Reno casinos offered evacuees discounted hotel rooms. Washoe County opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center as a shelter, but pets were prohibited there. Small and large animals were directed to two other locations. Northwest Specialty Hospital evacuated all patients as a precaution.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the evacuation zone, with commercial flights unaffected. Reno-Stead Airport was closed to general aviation but remained open to firefighting aircraft.
Earlier this month, three wildfires north of Reno forced more than 13,000 people from their homes amid hot, dry and windy conditions, according to the Nevada National Guard.
