Nevada Hawk Fire Forces Over 24,000 Evacuations as Blazes Approach Reno

Tens of thousands of residents braced for another night away from their homes Monday as a wind-driven fire advanced toward Reno, Nevada, authorities reported.

Schools were shuttered and smoke blanketed the city of about 280,000 people near the California border as evacuation orders affected roughly 24,000 individuals, down from a peak of over 40,000.

The Hawk Fire, ignited on Saturday, had consumed more than 15,000 acres by Monday, with firefighters containing roughly 27% of its perimeter. The outer edge of the blaze approached within five miles of Reno’s northwestern suburbs.

No fatalities have been confirmed, though seven injuries were reported—including three first responders. At least 32 structures were completely destroyed with additional properties suffering damage.

Fire officials anticipate the evacuation count to rise as crews gain deeper access to the interior regions of the fire.

Truckee Meadows Fire Chief Richard Edwards stated the blaze was human-caused, though it remains unclear whether the ignition was intentional or accidental. Investigators are currently examining the circumstances, and the fire will likely be classified as undetermined.

Over 900 firefighters deployed engines, helicopters, and bulldozers to clear dry vegetation, supported by international teams from Australia, New Zealand, and across the United States.

Edwards emphasized the urgency of evacuation orders, noting that wind-driven fires rapidly enter residential zones. “If you have been told to evacuate, please don’t wait!” Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve added.

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