RENO, Nevada — A fast-moving wildfire pushed to the edge of Reno on Sunday, forcing about 42,000 people into active evacuations and placing another 45,000 under warnings to be ready to leave.
The Hawk Fire remained at zero containment after destroying homes in northwest Reno and injuring six people—three civilians and three first responders. Officials said the blaze was human-caused, but they had not determined publicly whether it began accidentally or intentionally.
A small fire became a citywide emergency
The first reports came in at about 11:15 a.m. Pacific time Saturday near Hawk Meadow Trail, according to officials cited by Reuters. By Sunday, the fire had swept across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, where rugged foothills meet neighborhoods and businesses near the California state line.
An official briefing cited by Reuters placed the fire at 13,000 acres earlier Sunday. A later Associated Press update said it had grown beyond 23 square miles—roughly 15,000 acres—as gusts drove flames through dry brush.
The evacuation footprint reached the edge of the University of Nevada, Reno. Nearly 10,000 customers in Washoe County were without power Sunday, while parts of U.S. Route 395 were closed. Two hospitals evacuated patients as a precaution, and local schools canceled Monday classes to reduce traffic and keep roads clear for emergency crews.
Why the fire has been so difficult to contain
Fire officials described “extreme red flag conditions”: warm temperatures, very low humidity and strong winds that can rapidly change direction. Those shifts made the fire unpredictable and limited crews’ ability to reach hot spots.
The Associated Press reported that the fire jumped over trucks as crews tried to protect homes. A Sunday evening update warned that pockets of dense vegetation could continue producing moderate- to high-intensity runs overnight.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard. The response included helicopter crews for aerial firefighting and troops assigned to help law enforcement protect evacuated neighborhoods.
“Human-caused” does not yet explain how it started
Authorities confirmed that the Hawk Fire was caused by human activity, but the investigation remains open. Officials have not said whether negligence, equipment or deliberate action was involved.
That distinction matters: “human-caused” identifies the broad origin of a fire, not criminal intent. Until investigators release more evidence, claims about a specific suspect or cause would be premature.
What residents should do now
Washoe County officials urged residents to follow live evacuation-zone instructions rather than relying on older screenshots or social-media reposts. People ordered out can find current shelter guidance through the county’s Regional Emergency Operations Center. The Reno-Sparks Convention Center was opened for evacuees, with separate facilities designated for pets and larger animals.
Authorities also asked residents not to call 911 for evacuation-zone information, reserving emergency lines for immediate threats. People in warning areas should keep medications, identification, chargers, water and essential documents ready and be prepared to stay away for several days.
The next wind shift will be critical
The Hawk Fire’s rapid expansion has made acreage and evacuation totals a moving target. The most important indicators now are whether winds ease, containment begins and crews can hold the fire away from densely populated parts of Reno.
For families already ordered out, the message from local officials is straightforward: leave early, keep roads open for responders and do not return until authorities say it is safe.
Featured image is a fictional editorial illustration and does not depict a real evacuee, victim or participant.
