Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from Reno, Nevada, as an uncontrolled wildfire named the Hawk Fire threatened northern neighborhoods of the city.
Officials said on Sunday that approximately 42,000 residents were displaced or in the process of leaving their homes. Another 45,000 residents received official recommendations to prepare to evacuate urgently as the blaze moved closer to the boundary of Nevada's third most populous city.
Authorities reported during a press conference on Sunday that the Hawk Fire has burned 52,610 stremmata of land. Investigators confirmed that the fire was caused by human activity and stated that an official investigation into the origin of the blaze remains underway.
Six people have been injured in the disaster, including three civilians and three emergency service workers. Fire crews have been battling the flames under severe weather conditions characterized by high temperatures, extremely low humidity and powerful winds.
Evacuation Zones and Airport Operations
Fire monitoring websites indicated that mandatory evacuation zones stretch from the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range to the University of Nevada in the northwestern section of Reno. Local media and residents captured footage showing thick smoke rising near residential neighborhoods, with flames advancing toward roadways in areas near Somersett and Golden Valley.
Despite the proximity of the blaze, Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the designated danger zone. Officials confirmed that flight operations at the airport continued normally throughout Sunday.
State of Emergency and Military Support
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency on Saturday evening for Washoe County, which encompasses Reno and portions of Lake Tahoe. The declaration allows state resources to be mobilized rapidly to assist local response teams.
Governor Lombardo ordered the deployment of two National Guard helicopters to assist aerial firefighting efforts. In addition, 60 National Guard service members were deployed to support ground operations managed by the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.
Fire Response and Ongoing Investigation
Firefighters were first alerted to the outbreak at 11:15 a.m. local time on Saturday. Social media footage showed residents and workers taking extreme measures to contain the spread, including a man operating heavy machinery while surrounded by flames to construct a firebreak near Somersett.
Emergency agencies continue to monitor wind conditions and reinforce firelines along the northern perimeter of Reno. Authorities have urged residents in surrounding communities to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation orders issued by county emergency managers.
