Hawk Fire Threatens Reno: Evacuations and Emergency Response

RENO, Nevada – The Hawk Fire, rapidly expanding from the Sierra foothills, advanced toward Reno early Sunday. It grew to over 10,500 acres, prompting evacuation orders for nearly 14,000 homes. The evacuation zone extended to the University of Nevada campus.

Washoe County emergency officials arranged the Reno-Sparks Convention Center for evacuees. Pets were not permitted at the center, but alternative locations were designated for small and large animals.

Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County. He activated the Nevada National Guard to assist with aerial firefighting involving two helicopter crews, alongside 60 troops for securing evacuated areas.

Tyler Duvall, a resident affected by the evacuation, mentioned the fire’s unexpected escalation. Initially small on Saturday morning, it grew rapidly by Sunday, reaching his neighborhood.

Strong winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation intensified the fire’s growth, according to Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue. Approximately 400 personnel are addressing the situation, with resources spanning local, state, and federal agencies.

The wind really blew it up. Some homes burned about a mile from my place.

The fire’s proximity impacted power supplies, causing outages for nearly 10,000 homes and businesses. Portions of U.S. Route 395 were closed due to the blaze. Reno, home to more than 280,000 residents, faced significant disruption.

Casinos in Reno extended hotel room discounts to evacuees. Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve urged prompt evacuation, emphasizing personal safety over property.

Ted Melden, a retired police officer and firefighter recently relocated from South Carolina, experienced multiple natural disasters since arriving in Reno. Among these, wildfires have been notably frequent.

This thing kicked off yesterday, and it just went. I’m hoping they’ll get a good handle on it. You just have to roll with the flow and be ready. Always be prepared and have a full tank of gas.

Although Melden’s area was not under evacuation orders, he remained prepared. The University of Nevada’s Reno campus, housing around 24,000 students in fall 2025, was just outside the evacuation zone. The university devised an emergency response plan in case conditions worsened.

The Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained operational without disruptions, while the smaller Reno-Stead Airport closed for general aviation but stayed open for firefighting activities.

Local authorities monitored the county detention facility near the evacuation zone. Sheriff Darin Balaam noted preparations for potential evacuation of inmates if needed.

Earlier this month, wildfires north of Reno displaced over 13,000 residents due to similar weather-driven conditions.