Environment & Climate
Nevada wildfire containment reaches 27 percent as thousands remain displaced
The Hawk Fire near Reno has destroyed at least 32 homes and injured seven people, promptimg a state of emergency.
The short version
- A fast-moving wildfire near Reno, Nevada, has achieved 27% containment after burning approximately 23 square miles.
- About 63,000 residents remained under evacuation orders or warnings as of Monday, down from a peak of over 90,000.
- The fire has destroyed at least 32 homes and injured seven people, including three first responders.
- Nevada's governor declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, mobilizing the National Guard to assist with response efforts.
Key facts
- The Hawk Fire, which began on Saturday near the Hawk Meadow Trail, has held steady at approximately 60 square kilometers (23 square miles) since Sunday.[Al Jazeera]
- At least 32 homes have been destroyed, six have been damaged, and local officials expect these numbers to rise as damage assessments continue.[Al Jazeera]
- Seven injuries have been reported, consisting of three first responders and four civilians.[Al Jazeera]
- Evacuation figures fell to around 63,000 residents on Monday from over 90,000 during the weekend peak.[Al Jazeera]
- The blaze is the third major wildfire in the region north of Reno in two weeks, which fire officials state have all been driven by human behavior.[Al Jazeera]
- Organizers of the nearby Burning Man festival requested that attendees avoid booking hotel rooms and using resources needed by local evacuees.[Al Jazeera]
What remains uncertain
- Officials have not yet disclosed whether the Hawk Fire was started intentionally or accidentally.[Al Jazeera]