Nevada Hawk fire burns over 5,200 hectares and forces 42,000 to evacuate Reno

Outbreak and spread across Washoe County

The Hawk fire broke out on Saturday on a hillside in the northwestern outskirts of Reno, moving rapidly toward the northeast into residential areas. According to data released by the National Interagency Fire Center, the burned area expanded to approximately 4,200 hectares by Saturday evening. By Sunday, the fire burned more than 5,200 hectares and remained completely uncontained. Early assessments from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office indicated that nearly 1,000 homes faced immediate risk as the fire advanced, and local authorities reported that flames consumed multiple buildings.

Mass evacuations and infrastructure disruption

As the blaze expanded, Shane Akerson of the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District announced that 42,000 residents received mandatory evacuation orders. An additional 45,000 people were placed under evacuation warnings, requiring them to prepare for immediate departure if fire lines advanced. Damage assessment teams continue working to determine the precise number of destroyed structures across the fire zone. The evacuation zone reached the outer perimeter of the University of Nevada campus, leading authorities to cancel all classes and school events across nearly all Washoe County public schools for Monday.

The emergency also disrupted essential infrastructure and medical services across the Reno area. Northwest Specialty Hospital evacuated all patients and closed its facility due to the approaching fire. Energy utilities reported that approximately 5,000 customer accounts suffered electrical power outages in affected sectors, while transportation officials closed a section of Highway 395 to traffic. CNN reported that six people sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident, including three civilians and three emergency responders.

Emergency declarations and leadership response

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a formal state of emergency in Washoe County as state and municipal agencies mobilized disaster resources. Lombardo urged residents across northern Nevada to maintain vigilance and comply with public safety directives.

This is an active and rapidly changing situation. I urge everyone in affected areas to remain vigilant.

Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Richard Edwards described the blaze as a volatile event driven by intense winds, noting that fast-spreading fires in residential neighborhoods present severe challenges for safeguarding lives and property. Edwards advised residents in warning zones to pack emergency supplies and leave early if necessary. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve also issued a statement of sympathy for impacted households, calling on all citizens to follow evacuation orders without delay.

Weather conditions and containment efforts

Approximately 1,000 emergency personnel are engaged in containment operations across Washoe County. Firefighting crews face severe atmospheric hurdles, including strong wind gusts, low relative humidity, and dry brush that provides abundant fuel. Reno Fire Chief David Cochran noted that unusual weather patterns prevented typical overnight relief, as high temperatures and strong winds persisted through the night.

This makes it very difficult to contain a fire of this size and magnitude.

Cochran confirmed that investigators have found no indications that the fire was started deliberately. The precise cause of the ignition remains under active investigation by local and state fire authorities.