Hawk Fire Reno evacuations put 42,000 under orders
The wind-driven Hawk Fire burned more than 13,000 acres near Reno, with 42,000 residents ordered out and another 45,000 warned.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Hawk Fire Reno evacuations put 42,000 residents under mandatory “GO NOW” orders on Sunday, Aug. 23, after the wildfire raced through the foothills northwest of the city. Another 45,000 people were in evacuation warning areas, meaning the widely reported total of roughly 90,000 people urged to evacuate included both groups, according to CBS News and a separate Sunday Associated Press report carried by PBS.
The fire began Saturday, Aug. 22, in the Peavine Peak area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and spread rapidly amid strong gusts, low humidity and dry vegetation, Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue said. CBS News reported Sunday morning that the fire had burned more than 13,000 acres and was 0% contained.
Who is affected by Hawk Fire Reno evacuations?
The mandatory evacuation zone reached the edge of the University of Nevada, Reno campus, according to CBS News. The university said in a 12:55 p.m. Sunday update that its main, Redfield and Lake Tahoe campuses were outside both evacuation and yellow “Get Ready” zones, and that regular operations would continue Monday, Aug. 24.
The university said students directly affected by the fire could seek support, including help finding temporary housing, through its Dean of Students Office.
Officials reported six injuries: three civilians and three first responders. Several structures were destroyed, PBS reported, while authorities were still assessing the number of losses. The fire was described as human-caused or linked to human activity, but officials said the investigation remained open and did not give further details.
Roads, power and schools disrupted
Parts of U.S. Route 395 were closed because of the fire. Power figures shifted as conditions changed: CBS News reported nearly 10,000 homes and businesses without service in Washoe County on Sunday, while a later Sunday update cited by CNN put the number at about 5,000.
All but one school in the Washoe County School District were set to cancel Monday classes, CBS News reported. Northwest Specialty Hospital evacuated patients as a precaution, and Washoe County opened the Reno-Sparks Convention Center for evacuees. Reno-Tahoe International Airport remained outside the evacuation zone, with commercial flights unaffected Sunday, according to CBS News.
Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in Washoe County and activated Nevada National Guard support, including two helicopter crews and 60 troops to help protect evacuated neighborhoods, CBS News reported. PBS said about 800 fire personnel were responding.
Residents in affected areas should follow evacuation instructions and updates from local officials, as fire conditions and zone boundaries can change quickly.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS News.