Hawk Fire Surges Past 10,500 Acres, Nearly 14,000 Reno Homes Evacuated

The fast-moving Hawk Fire spread from the Sierra foothills toward central Reno early Sunday, expanding to more than 10,500 acres and prompting evacuation orders affecting nearly 14,000 homes.

The evacuation zone marked “GO NOW” reached the outskirts of the University of Nevada campus as firefighters battled the blaze amid strong winds, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation.

Washoe County emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Centre to accommodate evacuees but said pets could not be brought to the facility. Separate locations were designated for small and large animals.

Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and activated the Nevada National Guard to assist with the firefighting operation. Two helicopter crews were deployed for aerial support, while around 60 troops were assigned to help law enforcement protect evacuated neighbourhoods.

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue said approximately 400 personnel were working to contain the fire, with resources being provided by local, state and federal agencies. Ground crews and aircraft were involved in the response.

Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses were without electricity in Washoe County on Sunday. Sections of US Route 395, a major north-south highway through the region, were also closed because of the fire.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents to evacuate immediately if ordered to do so, warning that structures had already been destroyed. She stressed that early evacuation would allow firefighters to concentrate on containing the blaze while protecting lives.

Authorities were also monitoring a county detention facility located several blocks from the edge of the evacuation warning zone. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said officials had contingency plans in case inmates needed to be relocated.

The Hawk Fire comes after three other wildfires north of Reno earlier this month forced more than 13,000 residents from their homes amid similarly hot, dry and windy conditions.