A rapidly spreading brush fire roared through more than 10,500 acres near Reno, Nevada, on Saturday, forcing evacuations and putting about 1,000 homes at risk as fierce winds pushed the flames toward residential areas.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo issued a state of emergency for Washoe County as the Hawk Fire expanded at a dangerous pace. The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District said the blaze was being intensified by strong wind gusts, dry brush and low humidity.
By Saturday evening, roughly 400 firefighters and support personnel from local, state and federal agencies were battling the fire from the ground and the air. Officials said three helicopters were expected to continue flying overnight as crews focused on defending homes and other threatened property.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said some structures had already been damaged or destroyed by the fire, though she did not immediately provide details on what types of buildings were affected. (Facebook/Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District)
“The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it’s being driven by the winds,” Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue Chief Richard Edwards said in a video shared on social media.
“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,” Edwards added.
Authorities said the Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, has placed approximately 1,000 homes under threat. (Facebook/Washoe County Sheriff’s Office)
As conditions worsened, officials expanded evacuation orders to include the Somersett community, covering areas north of Somersett Parkway to Robb Drive, along with neighborhoods north of West 7th Street to North McCarran Boulevard.
About 1,000 homes were also in a “Warning — GET SET” zone, with residents told to be ready to leave.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged anyone ordered to evacuate not to wait, saying the fire had already damaged structures.
Officials urged residents in evacuation zones to leave their homes. (Facebook/Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District)
“If you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait!” Schieve said in a statement. “Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building.”
The mayor did not immediately specify what kind of structures were burned. She said leaving before the fire arrives also allows firefighters to focus on battling the flames rather than rescuing people who stayed behind.
The Hawk Fire exploded across more than 10,500 acres outside Reno on Saturday as strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation helped fuel the flames, officials said. (Facebook/Washoe County Sheriff’s Office)
Lombardo also said the fire was threatening homes and other structures.
“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,” the governor said in a statement.
Officials were also keeping a close eye on the fire near a Washoe County correctional facility.
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said his office was working with fire and emergency crews and was prepared to act if conditions changed.
“The safety and security of every incarcerated individual, as well as our staff, remains a top priority,” Balaam said. “We will continue to evaluate conditions and respond accordingly.”
