A rapid wildfire in northwest Reno, Nevada, destroyed homes on Sunday as it leaped over fire trucks, hindering crews’ efforts to access hot spots. Firefighters faced challenges due to shifting winds, prompting authorities to advise around 90,000 individuals to evacuate.
Officials reported that at least six people, including three first responders and three civilians, sustained injuries. The fire, dubbed the Hawk Fire, started on Saturday and rapidly expanded to over 60 square kilometers in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt–Toiyabe National Forest, an area surrounded by homes and businesses near the California state border.
With the “GO NOW” evacuation zone encompassing approximately 42,000 residents, extending towards the University of Nevada, and an additional 45,000 individuals under evacuation warning, authorities urged everyone to evacuate and prepare to stay away for several days due to anticipated erratic fire behavior caused by the changing winds.
Cari Kieffer shared that a social media video revealed her completely burned-down house, with only a scorched basketball hoop remaining. She expressed devastation, stating that her family had lost all their possessions.
Following the evacuation order, Kieffer, her husband, and their four children rushed to rescue their dogs and salvage some belongings as ash fell and flames approached their neighborhood. The family had to evacuate again and later learned that their home had been destroyed.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and mobilized the Nevada National Guard to assist in aerial firefighting operations. Additionally, 800 fire personnel were deployed to manage the situation.
Nearly 10,000 customers experienced power outages in Washoe County, and sections of U.S. Route 395 were closed due to the fire. The local emergency officials opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center for evacuees, with special arrangements for pet accommodations at separate locations.
The fire’s rapid escalation caught residents off guard, with many expressing shock at how quickly it spread. The University of Nevada narrowly avoided being within the evacuation zone, and precautionary measures were taken, such as evacuating hospitals and monitoring the need to evacuate the county jail.
The fire’s unpredictable behavior during the night of the incident, with flames jumping over fire trucks, posed significant challenges for responders and residents alike, emphasizing the urgency and complexity of the situation.