Fast-Moving Hawk Fire Threatens Reno as Thousands Evacuate Amid Shifting Winds

A fast-moving wildfire has spread rapidly toward Reno, Nevada, forcing tens of thousands of residents to evacuate as shifting winds make it increasingly difficult for firefighters to control the blaze.

The wildfire, known as the Hawk Fire, began Saturday in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and quickly expanded across the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, where residential communities surround the rugged terrain.

By Sunday, the fire had grown to more than 23 square miles, or about 15,000 acres, with officials reporting zero containment.

Authorities ordered about 42,000 residents to evacuate, while another 45,000 people were placed under evacuation warnings and urged to prepare to leave. The evacuation zone had expanded to the edge of the University of Nevada campus.

The fire has reportedly destroyed homes and other structures, although officials have yet to determine the exact number of properties lost.

Firefighters have faced particularly difficult conditions because of strong and changing winds, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation. Officials said the blaze has displayed extreme fire behaviour, with flames at one point jumping over fire trucks and making it difficult for crews to reach some hotspots.

At least six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders, according to authorities.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilised the Nevada National Guard to support firefighting and security operations. Two helicopter crews and about 60 National Guard troops were deployed, while roughly 800 fire personnel were involved in the wider response.

The fire has also disrupted transportation and electricity supplies. Portions of U.S. Route 395 have been closed, while nearly 10,000 homes and businesses were without power at one point, according to officials.

Emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center as a shelter for evacuees, while separate facilities were designated for people with small and large animals.

Authorities have described the wildfire as human-caused, although the precise circumstances surrounding its ignition remain under investigation.

Officials are urging residents in evacuation zones to leave promptly and follow instructions from emergency authorities, warning that changing wind conditions could cause the fire to shift direction rapidly.

The Hawk Fire comes after several other wildfires in the Reno area earlier this month forced thousands of residents from their homes, underscoring the severe wildfire conditions facing parts of Nevada this summer.