A rapidly advancing brush fire surged across more than 10,500 acres near Reno, Nevada, on Saturday, placing approximately 1,000 homes in jeopardy. The blaze, intensified by fierce winds, necessitated evacuations and prompted urgent firefighting efforts.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the Hawk Fire swiftly expanded. According to the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, a combination of strong, gusty winds, low humidity, and dry terrain fueled the fire’s rapid spread.
Saturday evening saw a coordinated response from around 400 firefighters and personnel representing local, state, and federal agencies. Crews battled the flames from both the ground and sky, with three helicopters operating throughout the night in a bid to safeguard homes and properties.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve reported that some structures had succumbed to the fire, though specifics about the types of structures affected were not immediately disclosed.
“The Hawk Fire presents a highly dynamic challenge, primarily driven by the winds,” explained Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue Chief Richard Edwards in a video update shared on social media.
“The wind-driven fires move very rapidly into our residential areas, creating a lot of challenges for our firefighters to save homes and protect lives,” Edwards added.
Fire officials said the Hawk Fire burning outside Reno, Nevada, is threatening roughly 1,000 homes. (Facebook/Washoe County Sheriff’s Office)
Officials ordered new evacuations for the Somersett community, including areas north of Somersett Parkway to Robb Drive, as well as neighborhoods north of West 7th Street to North McCarran Boulevard.
About 1,000 homes were also in a “Warning — GET SET” zone, with residents told to be ready to leave.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged anyone ordered to evacuate not to wait, saying the fire had already damaged structures.
MORE STORY: Unseen Oil Risks Beyond Hormuz Threaten Long-Term Stability
Officials urged residents in evacuation zones to leave their homes. (Facebook/Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District)
“If you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait!” Schieve said in a statement. “Structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building.”
The mayor did not immediately specify what kind of structures were burned. She said leaving before the fire arrives also allows firefighters to focus on battling the flames rather than rescuing people who stayed behind.
The Hawk Fire exploded across more than 10,500 acres outside Reno on Saturday as strong, gusty winds, low humidity and dry vegetation helped fuel the flames, officials said. (Facebook/Washoe County Sheriff’s Office)
Lombardo also said the fire was threatening homes and other structures.
“This is an active and rapidly evolving situation, and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials,” the governor said in a statement.
Officials were also keeping a close eye on the fire near a Washoe County correctional facility.
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said his office was working with fire and emergency crews and was prepared to act if conditions changed.
“The safety and security of every incarcerated individual, as well as our staff, remains a top priority,” Balaam said. “We will continue to evaluate conditions and respond accordingly.”