Northwestern Reno faced a fast‑growing brush fire Saturday night that quickly engulfed more than 10,500 acres of dry vegetation. The blaze, dubbed the Hawk Fire, forced evacuation orders for roughly 1,000 homes and prompted Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo to declare a state of emergency for Washoe County.
Emergency response and evacuation orders
Governor Lombardo posted on X, urging residents in the affected areas to stay vigilant and to obey evacuation directives immediately. He also directed state agencies to coordinate through Nevada’s emergency operations center to streamline resources and support local responders.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve echoed the governor’s message, emphasizing that “structures have already been burned in this fire and your life is more important than a building.” The mayor’s statement was shared on the City of Reno’s official X account.
Fire conditions and containment efforts
State fire officials reported no containment as of late Saturday. High winds, low humidity, and abundant dry brush accelerated the fire’s spread, pushing flames down a slope toward illuminated neighborhoods. A time‑lapse video from an Alert California camera operated by UC San Diego captured the fire’s rapid advance before it faded from view.
Approximately 400 firefighters have been battling the blaze, aided by overnight helicopter drops. Despite these efforts, gusty winds have complicated containment attempts.
Areas impacted
Evacuation orders expanded after dark, reaching the Somersett neighborhood and other northern sections of Reno. Residents received “go now” alerts, indicating an immediate need to leave their homes. Local authorities continue to monitor the fire’s movement and update evacuation zones as conditions evolve.
Community response
Neighbors have been assisting one another, offering shelter and supplies to those forced to leave. Local churches and community groups have opened their doors to displaced families, reflecting the city’s tradition of mutual aid and faith‑based support during crises.
Officials urge anyone who has not yet received an evacuation notice but sees smoke or flames to contact emergency services and move to safety without delay.
Looking ahead
The cause of the Hawk Fire remains under investigation. State and local agencies will continue to assess damage, provide resources for affected residents, and work toward containment in the coming days.
For the latest updates, residents should follow official channels such as the Nevada Division of Forestry, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Reno’s communications on X.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
