The Hawk Fire, burning northwest of Reno, has destroyed 32 homes and injured at least seven people, including three first responders. The blaze started Saturday morning and has already consumed more than 15,000 acres. As of now, about 23,000 people are under evacuation orders, with another 40,000 under warnings, meaning they should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Highway 395 remains closed in both directions from Parr Boulevard to Red Rock Road, and power was briefly cut to thousands before being restored to about 14,800 customers.
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard. Crews from 15 states and international teams are assisting the roughly 720 personnel on the ground. Officials are warning that gusty winds could carry embers and cause flare-ups, even as they start to gain some control over the perimeter. They’re also asking the public to keep drones away from the fire area, as any unauthorized aircraft forces firefighting planes and helicopters to stop flying, putting homes and lives at greater risk.
The fire has been deemed human-caused but not intentional. For Sacramento listeners, this is a reminder that fireseason is a year-round reality, not just a summer problem. If you have friends or family in the Reno area, reach out and check on them. And if you’re thinking about traveling north, be prepared for road closures and detours. Do you have an evacuation plan for your own home? What’s the one thing you’d grab if you had to leave right now?
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
