Human-Caused Hawk Fire Forces 42,000 to Evacuate in Nevada

By Staff, Agencies

A rapidly spreading wildfire in Nevada has injured at least six people and forced roughly 42,000 residents to evacuate, while tens of thousands more have been told to prepare to leave as the blaze continues to spread.

The Hawk Fire broke out northwest of Reno on Saturday and had expanded across more than 15,000 acres [61 square kilometers] by Sunday. Three civilians and three first responders were injured, while several structures were destroyed.

Authorities expanded the “GO NOW” evacuation zone to the outskirts of the University of Nevada, Reno. Another 45,000 people in a neighboring “GET SET” zone were advised to prepare for evacuation and potentially remain away from their homes for several days.

Strong and shifting winds caused the fire to change direction quickly, with reports that flames jumped over fire trucks and prevented firefighters from reaching some areas. The dangerous conditions also complicated efforts by residents to evacuate.

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam described the situation as extremely confusing because changing winds repeatedly pushed the flames in different directions. He urged residents in areas under evacuation warnings to leave as soon as possible.

Officials have determined that the fire was caused by human activity but have not revealed what triggered it or whether it was accidental or intentional. The exact circumstances remain under investigation.

Videos circulating online show a massive wall of flames lighting up the night sky over the Reno area, with thick smoke rising above the region. Another video appears to show a man using heavy machinery near the flames in an effort to create a firebreak.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County. The National Guard deployed two helicopter crews and 60 personnel to assist firefighters and protect evacuated communities.

Two hospitals relocated patients to safer locations, while authorities were also assessing whether the county jail might need to be evacuated.

Nearly 60,000 electricity customers initially lost power, although the number had dropped to approximately 10,000 by Sunday. Sections of US Route 395 were also closed.

The Hawk Fire comes amid prolonged dry conditions and record-low snowfall in parts of the western United States, increasing the risk of major wildfires. Nevada alone reported 15 new fires on Saturday.

Earlier this month, wildfires near Spokane, Washington, forced approximately 60,000 people to evacuate, while three separate fires north of Reno displaced more than 13,000 residents.