The fast-growing Hawk Fire forced evacuation orders for nearly 14,000 homes in northwest Reno, Nevada, over the weekend, with the “GO NOW” evacuation zone reaching the edge of the University of Nevada campus. The fire had grown past 10,500 acres by early Sunday, fueled by strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation.
Roughly 90,000 people have been affected in some way, including about 42,000 residents under mandatory evacuation orders and another 45,000 told to be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen. Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard, including two helicopter crews for aerial firefighting and roughly 60 troops to help secure evacuated neighborhoods.
How the Fire Started
A preliminary investigation has determined the Hawk Fire was human-caused, though officials haven’t released further detail on the specific cause. Investigators typically withhold that kind of detail until they’ve ruled out or confirmed potential criminal liability, which can take days or weeks after a fire is contained.
What Residents Are Dealing With Now
Evacuees are navigating shelter arrangements, smoke exposure across the wider Reno-Sparks area, and the open question of how many of the roughly 90,000 affected residents will be able to return home versus how many will find damage waiting for them. With state resources now committed and the National Guard on the ground, containment efforts are focused on protecting the university campus and adjacent neighborhoods before the fire can push further into populated areas.
