A human-caused wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada, has destroyed multiple structures and led to the evacuation of approximately 90,000 residents as of Sunday. Known as the Hawk Fire, the blaze remained uncontained after growing to 20 square miles across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest. Officials reported at least six injuries, split evenly between three civilians and three first responders.
The fire began on Saturday and expanded rapidly due to strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam reported that the fire moved at an extraordinary speed Saturday night, at times leaping over fire engines and blocking emergency responders. Shifting winds caused the flames to move in multiple directions, creating what the sheriff described as an extremely confusing situation for those on the ground.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County, authorizing the mobilization of the Nevada National Guard. The deployment includes 60 troops to assist police with security in evacuated areas and two helicopter crews for aerial fire suppression. They join a force of approximately 800 fire personnel currently working on the scene. Authorities have confirmed the fire was human-caused but have not released further details as the investigation continues.
The scale of the displacement has forced local institutions to adapt. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center is serving as an emergency shelter for evacuees, though residents with pets must use separate facilities for small and large animals. Local businesses are also affected, with several Reno casinos offering discounted rates for those displaced by the blaze. Additionally, travelers face significant disruptions due to the closure of portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south highway serving the Reno area's 280,000 residents.
What happens next depends on weather conditions and containment efforts. Fire officials from Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue noted that gusty winds and dry conditions continue to fuel the blaze. The Nevada National Guard and 800 firefighters remain on-site to combat the flames and protect property. While a specific date for residents to return has not been set, officials have advised those in the warning and mandatory zones to prepare for an extended absence from their properties as investigators work to determine the exact origin of the human-caused fire.