A rapidly expanding wildfire near the Sierra foothills prompted the evacuation of nearly 14,000 homes in Reno. The fire, named the Hawk Fire, has grown to over 10,500 acres and reached the edge of the University of Nevada campus. As of Sunday morning, officials reported 0% containment.
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County. The Nevada National Guard was deployed, providing two helicopter crews and 60 troops to assist law enforcement in evacuated areas. Lombardo urged residents in affected areas to stay alert and heed directives from local authorities. He emphasized the state’s commitment to utilizing every available resource to protect lives and communities.
The fire, which began Saturday, quickly expanded due to gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue, along with other agencies, are engaged in battling the blaze. Chief Richard Edwards highlighted the challenge of containing wind-driven fires that threaten residential areas.
Power outages affected nearly 10,000 homes and businesses in Washoe County. Portions of U.S. Route 395 were closed as a precaution. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents to prioritize safety over property by evacuating promptly.
Emergency shelters were established at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, though pets were to be taken to separate designated locations. Earlier, wildfires north of Reno displaced over 13,000 residents, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to such incidents.