Hawk Fire: 90,000 Ordered to Evacuate Near Reno, Nevada

A massive wildfire has torn through the outskirts of Reno, Nevada, prompting authorities to order around 90,000 residents to evacuate their homes as the blaze named the Hawk Fire remains completely uncontained. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County on Monday and called on the National Guard to assist firefighting and law enforcement operations.

Scale of the Evacuations

Of the roughly 90,000 people affected, approximately 42,000 are under mandatory immediate evacuation orders, while an additional 45,000 have been told to prepare to leave at any moment. Around 13,700 homes fall within the evacuation zone, and local authorities have opened two emergency shelters for displaced residents. All Washoe County schools remain closed on Monday, with the exception of one.

The evacuation perimeter does not include Reno city centre, but it covers substantial residential areas and part of a major highway. The University of Nevada, Reno, situated outside but close to the warning zone, said it would maintain normal operations while monitoring the situation closely.

How the Fire Started

The Hawk Fire was first reported at around 11:15 local time (18:15 GMT) on Saturday and was determined to have been caused by humans. Windy and unpredictable conditions fuelled its rapid spread: by Sunday evening, it had burned through approximately 15,000 acres — about 23 square miles — with zero percent of its perimeter contained.

Six people have been injured so far, including three emergency responders fighting the fire. Large air tankers and helicopters have been deployed to drop water and fire retardants over the area.

Government Response

Governor Lombardo urged residents to stay alert and follow the guidance of local officials, describing the situation as active and rapidly evolving. The Nevada National Guard confirmed that 72 personnel, along with one Chinook and one Black Hawk helicopter, had joined the response effort to bring the blaze under control.