Reno, Nevada – The Hawk Fire, which ignited Saturday in the foothills northwest of downtown Reno, has grown to more than 23 square miles and forced the evacuation of over 90,000 residents. Authorities warned that shifting winds could carry the blaze toward densely packed, newly developed neighborhoods, prompting a massive emergency response.
Evacuations and community impact
Schools across Washoe County were closed Monday to keep roadways clear for fire crews and to protect students from the danger zone. At a roadblock in one of the evacuated neighborhoods, residents voiced frustration at being unable to return home, with one driver shouting, “There’s no fire here! Why are the National Guard here?”
More than six people – three first responders and three civilians – have been injured. The fire is confirmed to be human‑caused, though officials have not disclosed whether it was set intentionally or resulted from an accident.
Firefighting efforts
State and local fire agencies reported zero percent containment as of Monday. Crews are focused on extinguishing hotspots and preventing the fire from crossing a major highway that runs through the area. The National Guard has been deployed to assist with logistics and to help protect critical infrastructure.
Videos posted on social media show smoldering homes and vehicles, with only a scorched basketball hoop still standing. Residents who returned to assess damage described the scene as “like a movie.” Ruby Delatorre, who was returning from a concert, said she walked back to her home on Sunday to retrieve a few belongings, adding, “I literally want to cry and go back for all my stuff.”
Wider context
The Hawk Fire is the third large blaze in the rugged terrain north of Reno within the past two weeks, all attributed to human activity. Across the American West, extremely dry conditions have fueled a surge in wildfires this summer. In early August, fires in eastern Washington forced the evacuation of 60,000 people in the Spokane area.
According to the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 50,000 wildfires have burned across the United States this season, the highest number recorded for the same period in the past decade.
Looking ahead
Officials continue to monitor wind patterns and humidity levels, which will dictate the fire’s potential spread. Residents are urged to stay informed through local emergency alerts and to follow evacuation orders promptly. The Reno Fire Department and the Nevada Division of Forestry have pledged to keep the public updated as containment efforts progress.
While the immediate threat to homes remains high, firefighters remain committed to protecting lives and property, working around the clock to bring the blaze under control.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
