Hawk Fire Near Reno Prompts Evacuations of Up to 90,000 Residents, Destroys at Least 32 Homes

Firefighters have increased containment on the Hawk Fire near Reno, Nevada, after the blaze destroyed at least 32 homes and prompted evacuation orders or warnings for as many as 90,000 people. The fire reached approximately 23 square miles and stood at 27 percent containment as of Monday, according to officials.

U.S. Forest Service District Ranger Matt Zumstein stated that crews were making progress. Evacuation orders and warnings covered about 63,000 residents on Monday, a reduction from the peak figure. Officials noted that changing wind patterns could still direct flames through dry vegetation into residential areas.

Authorities reported that at least 32 homes were destroyed and six others damaged, with assessments ongoing in additional burned zones. Seven people, including three first responders and four civilians, sustained injuries.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said the fire’s speed and intensity exceeded prior observations in the area. The fire started Saturday near the California border and expanded rapidly on Sunday. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency and directed the National Guard to support aerial operations and security in evacuated neighborhoods northwest of downtown Reno.

Washoe County schools remained closed Monday to maintain clear access for emergency vehicles. Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam stated that residents remained restricted from returning due to ongoing hazards, noting that even a light breeze could carry embers into unburned areas.

The Hawk Fire is the third large wildfire north of Reno in two weeks. All three fires resulted from human activity, though investigators have not yet determined whether the Hawk Fire began accidentally or intentionally.

The fire has affected travel and lodging preparations for the Burning Man event scheduled to begin Sunday in the Black Rock Desert. Organizers advised attendees to avoid using hotel rooms or other resources required by displaced residents and to exercise patience with affected residents, first responders, and hospitality workers.

Resident Crystal Hallock, 53, lost a home to fire for the second time in less than a decade. An electrical fire destroyed her previous residence in 2018; she moved into the rebuilt home the following year. Hallock left the property Saturday with her children, grandchildren, and pets. Her ex-husband stayed to attempt to protect the house and a vintage Cadillac using a garden hose. Hallock described a phone call in which he reported difficulty breathing and reduced visibility before the line disconnected. Approximately 30 minutes later he called again, having left the property and preserved the vehicle. Hallock stated that she and her family had secured alternative housing.

Resident Ruby Delatorre returned from an event to find her neighborhood under evacuation orders. Another resident, Jon Hanbury, remained at a shelter at the Reno convention center on Monday while awaiting information on his home’s status. He reported that flames had approached closely and that smoke had been dense.

Forecasts indicate warm, dry, and breezy conditions across western Nevada, with the potential for critical fire weather later in the week. Containment efforts continue under these conditions.