Firefighters reached 27% containment of the Hawk Fire in northwest Reno by Monday afternoon, though shifting winds continued to challenge efforts to control the blaze. Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Chief Richard Edwards reported that while some evacuation orders were downgraded, approximately 23,000 residents remained under mandatory evacuation as of Monday, down from a peak of 42,000. An additional 40,000 people lived within the evacuation warning zone.
The fire began Saturday and expanded to more than 15,000 acres by Monday afternoon, spreading through the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County, mobilizing 60 Nevada National Guard troops and two helicopter crews to assist 800 fire personnel. Officials stated the fire was human-caused but have not released details regarding whether it was accidental or intentional.
Damage assessments conducted by Monday confirmed at least 32 homes were destroyed and six others damaged, a count Chief Edwards noted is expected to increase. Seven injuries have been reported, involving three first responders and four civilians. Due to the evacuations and the need to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles, local schools remained closed Monday and were scheduled to stay closed through Tuesday.
The fire has caused significant disruptions to regional infrastructure and education for thousands of students. All local schools were closed for at least two days, and portions of U.S. Route 395, a primary north-south transportation artery, were shut down. While Reno-Tahoe International Airport continued operations, the Reno-Stead Airport was closed to all commercial traffic to prioritize military and firefighting aircraft. Local businesses, including casinos, responded by offering discounted rates to evacuees, while the Reno-Sparks Convention Center was converted into a temporary shelter for displaced residents.
This event marks the third large human-caused wildfire in the Reno area within a two-week span, following a winter with record-low snowfall and months of dry conditions. The frequency of these fires has strained local resources, requiring the mobilization of the Nevada National Guard to safeguard evacuated neighborhoods against potential looting and to manage the environmental hazards. As of Monday, fire officials warned that strengthening winds could push the blaze into newly developed, densely packed neighborhoods on the city's edge. Residents have been advised to prepare for a multi-day displacement as crews work to prevent the fire from crossing major highways.