A fast-moving brush fire burned more than 10,500 acres outside Reno, Nevada, on Saturday, forcing evacuations and threatening roughly 1,000 homes as powerful winds drove the flames through dry vegetation.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County as the Hawk Fire grew rapidly throughout the day. According to the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, strong and gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation all contributed to the fire's spread. About 400 firefighters and other personnel from local, state, and federal agencies were working the fire Saturday evening, both on the ground and from the air. Three helicopters were set to fly overnight.
Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue Chief Richard Edwards described the fire as highly unpredictable. "The Hawk Fire is a very dynamic incident for us as it's being driven by the winds," Edwards said in a video posted to 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," he added.
Officials ordered evacuations for the Somersett community, covering areas north of Somersett Parkway to Robb Drive and neighborhoods north of West 7th Street to North McCarran Boulevard. About 1,000 additional homes were placed in a warning zone, with residents told to be ready to leave at any moment.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged residents under evacuation orders not to delay. "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 types of structures were damaged. She also noted that prompt evacuation allows firefighters to focus on the fire rather than rescuing people who stayed behind.
Gov. Lombardo confirmed 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 monitoring conditions near a Washoe County correctional facility. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said his office was working alongside fire and emergency crews. "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."
Crews were expected to remain on scene through the night as weather conditions continued to drive the fire's behavior.
