A fast-moving wildfire in northwest Reno has destroyed homes, injured six people, and prompted evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents.

A wildfire known as the Hawk Fire, which began Saturday in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, has destroyed homes in northwest Reno, Nevada. The blaze has grown to over 60 square kilometers, fueled by shifting winds that have hampered firefighting efforts. Authorities have issued evacuation orders and warnings affecting approximately 90,000 people as the fire spreads near the University of Nevada and residential neighborhoods.

Evacuations and Emergency Response

Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam has urged residents in the path of the fire to leave immediately, warning that unpredictable winds are expected to persist. Approximately 42,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders, while an additional 45,000 are in an evacuation warning zone. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo has declared a state of emergency for Washoe County, mobilizing the Nevada National Guard to assist with aerial firefighting and security operations. A total of 800 fire personnel are currently responding to the incident.

Impact on Residents and Infrastructure

The fire has caused injuries to three first responders and three civilians. Local infrastructure has been significantly affected, with portions of U.S. Route 395 closed and nearly 10,000 customers in Washoe County experiencing power outages as of Sunday. Evacuees are being directed to the Reno-Sparks Convention Centre, while local casinos are offering discounted hotel rates. Some residents, such as Cari Kieffer, have reported the total loss of their homes to the advancing flames.