A wildfire that began Saturday in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest near Reno, Nevada, spread to 20 square miles and prompted one of the region’s largest evacuation efforts. Authorities declared the Hawk Fire human-caused and uncontained as it moved through rugged foothills dotted with residential areas and businesses near the California state line. The blaze advanced with exceptional speed Saturday night, jumping over emergency vehicles and complicating firefighting operations as winds repeatedly shifted direction, making the fire’s path unpredictable.
Approximately 42,000 residents received mandatory evacuation orders as the designated “GO NOW” zone expanded toward the University of Nevada at Reno, while another 45,000 people fell within an evacuation warning area. Six people sustained injuries in the incident, including three civilians and three first responders. Authorities cautioned residents that shifting and strengthening winds could intensify the fire further and advised evacuees to prepare for extended displacement. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and activated the Nevada National Guard to support aerial firefighting operations with helicopter crews and ground personnel. A total of 800 fire personnel responded to the incident.
Evacuation support included the opening of the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, though pet accommodations were handled at separate facilities. Casinos offered discounted hotel rooms to displaced residents. Portions of U.S. Route 395, a major north-south corridor, were closed due to the fire. Power outages affected nearly 10,000 customers Sunday, down from 60,000 on Saturday. Reno, Nevada’s second-largest city with over 280,000 residents, faced significant disruption as residents fled their homes with minimal time to gather possessions. Multiple families recounted harrowing escapes as flames advanced rapidly downhill toward neighborhoods, with some learning after evacuation that their homes had been destroyed.
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