A fast-moving wildfire in Nevada exploded to over 13,000 acres (5,200 hectares) on Sunday, pushing from the Sierra foothills toward downtown Reno and forcing nearly 90,000 residents to evacuate as flames threatened neighborhoods and reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus.
The Hawk fire's “GO NOW” evacuation zone expanded to the campus edge, fueled by strong, gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, according to Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue. Of those urged to evacuate, 42,000 were under strict orders, while an additional 45,000 were in the warning zone, encouraged to leave immediately and prepare to stay away for days to keep roads clear for first responders.
“If you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait!” Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve pleaded on social media Saturday night. “Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building. Evacuating before the fire arrives also allows our firefighters to focus their efforts on battling the blaze.”
Authorities confirmed three civilians and three first responders were injured, and several structures were destroyed. The fire was human-caused, though officials remained tight-lipped on specifics, citing an ongoing investigation.
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard. Two helicopter crews joined aerial firefighting operations, while 60 troops helped police safeguard evacuated neighborhoods. Unfortunately, winds were whipping the flames, complicating the fight.
“It was extremely confusing,” said Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam, describing how changing winds sent flames in different directions. The fire moved exceptionally fast Saturday night, jumping over fire trucks and making it difficult for responders to reach hotspots while residents tried to flee.
Tyler Duvall, who went camping over the weekend, noted the fire was so small Saturday morning it wasn't a concern. By Sunday, his house was in the evacuation zone. “The wind really blew it up,” he said.
Approximately 400 personnel are currently battling the blaze, with resources from local, state, and federal agencies, including ground crews and air resources. Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County were without power, and portions of US Route 395 were closed.
Reno, with a population exceeding 280,000, is no stranger to fire season, but this one hit close to home. David Barb returned from a hunting trip to find his taxidermy shop leveled, though his house was spared thanks to a landscaping company that cut a fire break. “I’m kind of devastated, but thank God everyone’s safe,” he said.
Washoe County opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center to evacuees, though pets were not allowed there - because nothing says crisis like separating people from their furry companions. Casinos offered discounted rooms, and at least 20 road closures were in effect.
The University of Nevada's Reno campus, with about 24,000 students, remained outside the evacuation zone but had an emergency plan ready. Classes start 24 August, with early move-in as soon as 13 August - because nothing says 'welcome to college' like a wildfire evacuation drill. The Reno-Tahoe International Airport stayed open, while the smaller Reno-Stead airport closed to general aviation but remained open for firefighting aircraft.
Authorities were also keeping an eye on a county detention facility near the evacuation warning edge, with plans in place to evacuate if needed.
The Hawk fire comes just weeks after three wildfires north of Reno forced over 13,000 residents from their homes - because apparently, Nevada decided to test its residents' evacuation stamina this summer.