A fast-moving wildfire on the outskirts of Reno, Nevada, has pushed nearly 90,000 people into evacuation zones, as firefighters battle strong winds, dry conditions, and difficult terrain.
Officials said about 42,000 residents have been ordered to leave immediately, while a further 45,000 people are under evacuation warnings and have been urged to prepare to leave at short notice.
The fire, known as the Hawk Fire, was first reported late Saturday morning near Hawk Meadow Trail, west of Reno. By Sunday evening, it had burned around 15,000 acres and remained 0% contained.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard to support firefighting and law enforcement operations.
“This is an active and rapidly evolving situation and I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain vigilant and follow the direction of local officials,” Lombardo said.
Emergency officials said the blaze is believed to be human-caused, although the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Six injuries have been reported, including three emergency responders. Local agencies have also warned that structures have been threatened, with damage assessments ongoing.
Fire crews have been working to protect neighborhoods, critical infrastructure, and evacuation routes as shifting winds drive the fire toward populated areas in northwest Reno and nearby communities.
Large air tankers and helicopters have been deployed to drop water and fire retardant, while ground crews continue structure protection and containment work around the fire perimeter.
Authorities said nearly 14,000 homes are within the evacuation area. Emergency shelters have been opened for displaced residents, including at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
Washoe County schools are closed Monday, except for Gerlach K-12 School, and several major roads, including sections of U.S. 395, have been closed to support the emergency response.
The “go now” evacuation zone does not extend into central Reno, but it does affect large urban areas and transport corridors on the edge of the city.
The University of Nevada, Reno said regular campus operations would continue, while officials monitor the fire’s progress and changing evacuation guidance.
Fire officials said the incident has been fueled by gusty winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, conditions that can allow wildfires to spread rapidly into residential areas.
Reno, located in western Nevada near the California border, has a population of about 280,000. Wildfires are common across parts of the western United States, but fires that move close to major population centers can create significant evacuation and emergency management challenges.
Residents in affected areas have been advised to follow official evacuation maps, avoid calling 911 for non-emergency evacuation information, and keep roads clear for first responders.
