Fast-Moving Wildfire Forces Thousands to Leave Homes in Reno, Nevada

A dangerous wildfire near Reno, Nevada, has grown significantly, forcing nearly 90,000 residents to leave their homes as flames move toward the city. The fire, known as the Hawk fire, covered more than 13,000 acres by Sunday. According to The Guardian, the situation became critical when strong, gusty winds and dry weather conditions caused the fire to spread quickly toward the center of Reno.

Of the 90,000 people affected, 42,000 are under strict orders to leave immediately. The remaining 45,000 residents are in an evacuation warning zone, meaning they should be prepared to leave at any moment to keep roads clear for emergency workers. The fire has reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus, and local authorities are urging everyone in the affected areas to prioritize their safety over their property.

“If you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait!” Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said in a statement on social media. She emphasized that while some buildings have already been destroyed, human lives are the most important concern. By leaving early, residents allow firefighters to focus entirely on stopping the blaze rather than helping people escape.

Governor Joe Lombardo has officially declared a state of emergency in Washoe County. This move allows the state to bring in more resources, including the Nevada National Guard. Approximately 60 troops have been sent to help police protect neighborhoods that have been emptied. Additionally, two helicopter crews are working from the air to support the 400 personnel on the ground who are fighting the fire from multiple agencies.

The fire has proven difficult to manage because of the weather. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam explained that the wind is constantly changing direction, which makes it hard for firefighters to predict where the fire will go next. On Saturday night, the fire moved so fast that it even jumped over fire trucks, making it very dangerous for first responders to reach the hottest parts of the blaze.

For many residents, the change happened in a very short time. Tyler Duvall, a local resident who was camping over the weekend, said the fire was not a concern on Saturday morning. However, by the next day, his home was inside the evacuation zone. “The wind really blew it up,” he said. The fire has also caused significant damage to local infrastructure. Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County lost power on Sunday, and parts of US Route 395, a major highway, were forced to close.

Some residents have returned to find their property destroyed. David Barb, a local man who was away on a hunting trip, discovered that his taxidermy shop had been burned to the ground. However, he noted that his nearby house was saved because workers from a landscaping company had cleared a fire break—a gap in vegetation designed to stop a fire from spreading—around his property. “I’m kind of devastated, but thank God everyone’s safe,” Barb said.

Authorities have confirmed that three civilians and three first responders have been injured during the incident. While officials have stated that the fire was caused by human activity, they are still investigating the specific details. As the situation continues, the Reno-Sparks Convention Center has been opened as a shelter for those who have had to leave their homes. Because pets are not allowed at the convention center, other locations have been prepared to house both small and large animals.

This event follows a period of heightened wildfire risk across the region. While this specific fire is currently the main focus for Reno, it highlights the ongoing challenges that communities face when extreme weather meets dry, flammable landscapes. For now, the priority remains the safety of the residents and the containment of the fire, as officials continue to monitor the winds and work to protect the remaining neighborhoods.