US News
Wildfire threatens Reno, Nevada, prompting tens of thousands of evacuations
The human-caused Hawk Fire expanded rapidly to over 15,000 acres, leaving multiple people injured and destroying homes with zero containment.
The short version
- The Hawk Fire ignited Saturday northwest of Reno and burned over 15,000 acres, destroying an unconfirmed number of homes.
- Around 42,000 residents were placed under mandatory evacuation orders, with another 45,000 under evacuation warnings.
- Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and activated the National Guard to support roughly 800 emergency personnel.
- Firefighters remain challenged by shifting winds and zero containment as the cause of the fire remains under active investigation.
Key facts
- The Hawk Fire broke out Saturday near Peavine Peak northwest of Reno and rapidly spread to more than 15,000 acres (over 23 square miles).[ABC News · Deutsche Welle · NPR]
- Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for approximately 42,000 residents, while roughly 45,000 others were placed in warning zones as the fire approached the edge of the University of Nevada.[ABC News · Deutsche Welle · NPR]
- At least six people—three civilians and three first responders—suffered injuries during the incident.[ABC News · Deutsche Welle · NPR]
- Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County and deployed the National Guard with two helicopters and 60 troops to assist the roughly 800 responders on scene.[ABC News · Deutsche Welle · NPR]
- Fire officials confirmed the blaze was human-caused, though specific details regarding the exact mechanism remain under active investigation.[ABC News · Deutsche Welle · NPR]
- The fire forced two hospitals to evacuate patients, prompted closures along sections of U.S. Route 395, and left nearly 10,000 customers without electricity on Sunday.[ABC News · Deutsche Welle]
What remains uncertain
- The total number of homes and properties destroyed by the wildfire remains unknown as assessments continue.[ABC News · Deutsche Welle]
- Authorities have not disclosed whether the human cause of the fire was accidental or intentional.[ABC News · NPR]