A massive wildfire known as the Hawk Fire erupted Saturday in the Sierra Nevada foothills north of Reno, Nevada, and quickly grew to more than 23 square miles. By Sunday, the blaze had forced authorities to issue evacuation orders for over 90,000 residents in the city’s rapidly expanding foothill neighborhoods.
Evacuations and Community Impact
County officials urged residents to leave their homes immediately, citing the fire’s proximity to densely packed, newly developed areas. Schools across Washoe County were closed Monday to keep roadways clear for emergency crews and to protect students from the hazardous conditions.
Residents described the scene as “like a movie.” Ruby Delatorre, who returned from a concert only to find her home in the evacuation zone, said she went back Sunday to retrieve a few essential items, adding, “I literally want to cry and go back for all my stuff.”
Teresa Lenshyn, another evacuee, called the experience “chaotic and stressful,” noting the uncertainty of shifting winds that could worsen the fire’s spread.
Firefighting Efforts and Containment
Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish hotspots and prevent the blaze from crossing a major highway that runs through the area. As of the latest update, containment remained at zero percent, and officials warned that the fire could jump the highway and threaten additional homes and businesses.
At least six people—three first responders and three civilians—suffered injuries while battling the fire. Authorities confirmed the blaze was human‑caused, though they have not disclosed whether it was set intentionally or resulted from an accident.
Wider Context
The Hawk Fire marks the third large wildfire in the rugged terrain north of Reno within the past two weeks, all attributed to human activity. The region’s extremely dry conditions this summer have contributed to a surge in wildfires across the American West. Earlier in August, a separate blaze in eastern Washington forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area.
Nationwide, more than 50,000 wildfires have been reported this season, the highest number recorded for the same period in the past decade, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.
Looking Ahead
Local officials continue to monitor wind patterns and fire behavior, urging residents to stay informed through official channels. Emergency shelters remain open for displaced families, and the community is rallying to support those who have lost homes or possessions.
While the immediate threat to Reno’s foothill neighborhoods persists, fire crews remain focused on protecting the city’s infrastructure and preventing further loss of life and property.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
