Nevada Wildfire Forces Mass Evacuations as Wind‑Driven Hawk Fire Races Toward Reno

Officials in Nevada urged residents to flee their homes on Sunday as the fast‑moving Hawk Fire pushed dangerously toward the city of Reno, driven by powerful winds and scorching conditions.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve told CNN that 42,000 people have already evacuated, while another 45,000 have been told to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The one‑day‑old wildfire exploded to 6,087 hectares by Sunday afternoon and was burning just eight kilometres northwest of the city a metropolitan area of more than 280,000 people.

Local reports say the blaze has already destroyed mountaintop homes and injured six people, including three first responders. According to InciWeb, the fire is exhibiting “extreme fire behavior,” with flames racing across ridgelines and thick smoke clouds towering over Reno. Images posted by local fire crews showed dramatic fire fronts sweeping across the mountains overlooking the city.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County, warning that the Hawk Fire “is spreading quickly and threatening homes and structures.” Fire Chief Richard Edwards urged residents to be ready to evacuate immediately or even earlier stressing that wind‑driven fires can surge into neighbourhoods with little warning.

Reno sits near the California border and the Lake Tahoe region, an area increasingly vulnerable to severe wildfires. As winds continue to fuel the Hawk Fire, emergency officials say the next hours will be critical in protecting lives and homes.