Northwestern Reno faced a fast‑growing brush fire Saturday night that quickly engulfed more than 10,500 acres of dry vegetation. The blaze, known as the Hawk Fire, forced the evacuation of about 1,000 homes across several neighborhoods, including the Somersett area.
Emergency response and evacuation orders
Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for Washoe County and directed state agencies to coordinate through Nevada’s emergency operations center. In a post on X, Lombardo warned residents to stay vigilant and to obey evacuation orders immediately.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve echoed the urgency, reminding citizens that “your life is more important than a building.” The city’s official X account shared the same message, urging anyone ordered to leave to do so without delay.
Fire conditions and containment efforts
The fire’s rapid expansion was driven by gusty winds, low humidity and abundant dry brush. By late Saturday, no containment had been reported. State fire officials said roughly 400 firefighters were on the scene, supported by overnight helicopter drops. High winds complicated suppression efforts, and a time‑lapse video from an Alert California camera showed the fire advancing down a slope toward illuminated neighborhoods before fading from view.
Impact on residents
Evacuation orders widened after dark, moving from initial warnings to “go now” directives for additional streets. Residents were instructed to gather essential items, secure pets, and follow routes designated by local law enforcement. The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has been assisting with traffic control and providing information points for displaced families.
Utility crews have been on standby to address any power outages, and shelters have been opened at designated community centers for those needing temporary housing. Local churches and nonprofit groups have begun organizing donation drives for food, water, and basic supplies.
Looking ahead
Fire officials continue to monitor the blaze as conditions evolve. The state’s emergency operations center will provide regular updates, and Governor Lombardo has pledged additional resources if needed. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to avoid the fire‑affected zones until authorities declare the area safe.
Authorities remind the public that the cause of the Hawk Fire remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the fire’s origin is urged to contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
