‘Scared to Death’: Tens of Thousands Flee as Fast-Moving Wildfire Threatens Reno

Thousands of residents have been forced from their homes as a fast-moving wildfire tears through the Reno area of Nevada, with shifting winds making it increasingly difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze.

The Hawk Fire, which began Saturday near the foothills northwest of Reno, had expanded to more than 15,000 acres by Sunday and remained at zero per cent containment, according to authorities and fire officials.

Authorities ordered about 42,000 people to evacuate, while another 45,000 residents were placed under evacuation warnings and urged to be ready to leave at short notice. The evacuation area expanded toward central Reno and reached the vicinity of the University of Nevada, Reno.

The blaze has moved rapidly through dry vegetation amid strong and unpredictable winds, creating dangerous conditions for residents and emergency crews. Officials warned that the fire could change direction quickly, making it difficult to predict where flames would move next.

One resident described the experience as being “scared to death” as people rushed to escape the advancing flames.

At least six people have been injured, including three civilians and three first responders. Several homes and other structures have also been destroyed, while firefighters have struggled to reach some hotspots because of the speed and intensity of the blaze.

The fire has also caused significant disruption to the Reno area. Nearly 10,000 homes and businesses were without electricity, while portions of US Route 395 were closed as authorities worked to protect residents and allow emergency crews to operate.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as the firefighting operation intensified.

More than 800 firefighters and other emergency personnel were involved in efforts to battle the blaze, with additional crews arriving from other parts of the United States as well as Australia and New Zealand.

Authorities have also deployed National Guard personnel and aircraft to support firefighting and evacuation operations.

The cause of the Hawk Fire has been classified as human-caused, although officials have not disclosed exactly how it started or whether it was accidental or deliberate.

Fire officials said changing wind conditions have been among the biggest challenges facing crews.

The blaze reportedly moved so quickly that it jumped over fire trucks in some areas, while residents attempting to evacuate encountered rapidly changing conditions.

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam urged residents in evacuation-warning zones not to wait until the last moment before leaving.

Officials have repeatedly warned people who receive evacuation orders to leave immediately, stressing that roads could become congested and emergency crews need clear access to threatened areas.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport remains outside the evacuation area, although another local airport has been restricted because of firefighting operations.

As firefighters continue battling the Hawk Fire, authorities are warning residents to remain alert, monitor official evacuation notices and be prepared for further changes as winds shift.

The wildfire comes after several other major fires have affected northern Nevada this summer, underscoring the continuing threat posed by dry conditions and extreme fire behaviour across the region.