The fast-moving Hawk Fire near Reno has pushed nearly 90,000 people into evacuation zones
The blaze has grown beyond 13,000 acres and remains uncontained as winds threaten to drive it further
Nevada has declared a state of emergency as firefighters work to protect nearby communities
Nearly 90,000 people are in evacuation zones as the fast-moving Hawk Fire burns northwest of Reno, Nevada, with authorities warning that changing winds could increase fire activity, local emergency officials said.
The fire began on Saturday near Hawk Meadow Trail in the Somersett area, about a mile north of Cold Creek Trail. By Sunday, it had grown to 10,522 acres, with zero per cent containment, according to the Washoe County Regional Emergency Operations Center. About 400 personnel and 10 aircraft were involved in the response.
The fire is burning through grass and brush and has been classified as human-caused. Firefighters are working to keep it south of Cold Springs and north of Somersett, using bulldozers to create fuel breaks between the fire and residential areas while crews carry out point protection.
Evacuations Expand
Washoe County said approximately 90,000 residents were within its "GET-SET" and "GO-NOW" evacuation zones. Authorities urged residents to monitor official evacuation information rather than call 911 for updates.
An evacuation centre was opened at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, while separate facilities were designated for small and large animals.
Several major roads have also been closed, including portions of US 395, while authorities urged residents to avoid affected areas and make way for emergency vehicles.
Winds Threaten Spread
Weather conditions were expected to add to the fire's intensity. Temperatures were forecast to reach 84–86°F, with afternoon winds increasing to around 20 mph and gusting higher. Fire officials said those winds could drive the fire's movement and increase activity.
Smoke from the fire could also affect nearby communities and major travel corridors.
State Of Emergency
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County on August 22 as the fire spread rapidly and threatened homes and other structures.
"I have declared a state of emergency in Washoe County as we respond to the Hawk Fire, which is spreading quickly and threatening homes and structures," Lombardo said. He urged residents to follow evacuation orders and warned people not to put themselves or first responders at risk.
The declaration directs state agencies to coordinate through the Nevada Emergency Operations Center and support local firefighting and emergency-response efforts.
